Tortillas

I think I can safely say that Spring is finally here! Of course, as soon as I do, I'm sure it will snow/sleet again, like it did just last week. I think I have completely forgotten what it's like to not bring a coat with me wherever I go. I'm definitely looking forward to some warmer weather. I've even been opening the windows the last couple of days. I love having fresh air inside.

I've been making tortillas for quite a while now, and I had a couple people request that I post my recipe. I just use the recipe from my Joy of Cooking cookbook, but I speed everything up by making them in a food processor instead of by hand. The dough requires a 20 minute resting time, which is perfect for assembling the rest of your meal. Then you can make the tortillas, and everything is ready to eat all at once. Few things are as good as a hot, fresh tortilla straight from the stove.

Making tortillas at home is pretty easy and doesn't take a lot of planning like many breads, and I really like how soft the homemade ones are. We use them for anything you would normally use a tortilla for, like wraps, tacos, chicken or pork enchiladas, and such. I still buy tortillas occasionally, but few things are simpler to make.

I was getting a little creative and decided to add some fresh basil that I had hanging out in my fridge. Not the typical addition to a tortilla, perhaps, but it made the wraps that Franky and I enjoyed one day just a little bit more special. The recipe below is the basic, plain tortilla that I usually make and not the one with basil (in case you were wondering why my tortillas have little green specs). Feel free to experiment with your own additions and see what you can come up with!

Tortillas
Makes 8 to 12

2 cups flour, bread flour is best but all-purpose will work
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup vegetable shortening or lard
3/4 cup hot water

1. Combine the flour, baking powder, and salt into the bowl of a food processor. Pulse briefly to combine.

2. Add the shortening and pulse a few more times, just until the mixture is crumbly and there are no large chunks. Slowly add the warm water while pulsing the food processor. The dough will come together quickly. Pulse a few more times to make sure everything is thoroughly mixed. Do not overmix the dough!

3. Remove the dough from the food processor and divide into 8 to 12 equal parts. Cover and let rest for 20 minutes. If you are going to eat them right away, use this time to make the rest of your meal.

4. When the dough is almost done resting, heat a cast iron or a nonstick skillet over medium heat. Roll out a ball of dough into a 6 to 8 inch round. Slide the dough into the hot pan and cook until brown spots appear. Depending on the temperature of your pan, this should take from 30 seconds to no more than 2 minutes.  Carefully flip the tortilla over and cook for 30 to 60 seconds more. Roll out the next ball of dough while the previous one is cooking. Move the tortilla to a plate and keep them warm until you are ready to use them. Repeat with the remaining balls of dough. Enjoy!