Family is our reason for the season

 

JCPenney is teaming up with six real families from across America to spread joy, comfort & peace this holiday season. From music makers to talented bakers, check out our new commercial to see how families just like yours are making memories with JCPenney. Keep reading to learn more about these close-knit families. 

The Sharpe Family

This singing family of six from Bernards Township, NJ, loves rocking their matching family pajamas. They’ve performed all over the world & have 10 million subscribers singing along to their fun family videos. Listen to their album, A Sharpe Family Christmas, on streaming platforms today.

Every Way To Holiday

Laid back or dressed to the max, there are so many ways to enjoy the season.

FamiliesShop The LookShop The Look

The Pocta Family

From Virginia Beach, VA, the Poctas have one mission—to spread the love & joy they experience as a diverse family. Blessed with two amazing children that are wheelchair boundLESS, they’re out to show the world that life is good regardless of culture, language or physical ability.

The French Family

Touring for almost 20 years as a country singing duo, Camille and Stuie, these parents of three, became beloved in Australia. Now, this loving family is making their dreams come true in Nashville, TN!

The Martinez Family

Jenny Martinez became a TikTok sensation after her daughter, Cindy, uploaded two clips of Jenny sharing some of her favorite family recipes. Producing content in both Spanish & English, Jenny is keeping traditions alive by sharing authentic Mexican recipes that have been passed down for generations. Keep scrolling to see the tamale recipe!
¡Que viva la tradición!

Jenny’s Family Tamale Recipe

Also known as a Tamaliza, it’s a great excuse to invite friends & family over to make tamales. The leftovers can be kept in the freezer & everyone gets to go home with tamales they can enjoy throughout the year. Fun, food & family—what could be better?

Jenny’s Family Tamale Recipe

Makes enough tamales to keep & give as gifts

Ingredients

8 lbs. cushion pork meat, boneless 
3 bay leaves   
½ onion  
10 guajillo chiles  
2 ancho chiles 
10 New Mexico chiles 
5 garlic cloves 
2 tbsp. chicken bouillon
10 tbsp. lard, divided 
½ cup flour 
1 cup beef broth 
20 lbs. Masa 
1 tsp. baking powder 
salt to taste 
1 cup ice cubes 
corn husks to cook

Directions

In a large pot, cover meat with water, add bay leaves & onions. 
Boil for 2 hours until meat is tender. Shred & set aside once fully cooked. 

In a separate pot, soak the guajillo, ancho & New Mexico chiles in water for 10 mins. 
Drain the water & add chiles to a blender along with the garlic & chicken bouillon. 
Blend & set aside. 

In a large saucepan, add 2 tbsp. lard & flour. Stir over medium heat for 2 minutes. Add the blended chili mixture, beef broth and stir until it thickens. Add the shredded meat and simmer for 30 minutes. 

Prepare the masa by mixing it with baking powder, salt, ice cubes & remaining lard. Spread masa evenly onto hydrated corn husks. Add the meat mixture & fold husks to close. 

Place tamales in a steamer insert over 1 cup of water in a large pot. Cook for 1 hour & 20 mins. 

Serve immediately or store in freezer bags or airtight container in the freezer for up to 6 months.