Home Made Tortillas

I have been making my own tortillas for about 2 years now. I am not sure how "authentic" they are. However, they are delicious and far better than any store bought tortillas I have ever come across.

My recipe (shown below) has directions for both mixing by hand and mixing in a food processor. Being a working mom, I have always used the food processor. I have been very happy with this process and have never attempted to venture further than that. Last night however I took the plunge. I made them entirely by hand. The only electronic assistance was from my stove top. It was surprisingly quick and extremely satisfying.

I have seen many recipes, most have lard or shortening. I don't use lard nor shortening for anything and don't plan to store it just for one recipe so, I like this recipe. My sister in law gave me the recipe, but I am pretty sure she didn't author it. I would love to give credit where it is due, I am just not sure who it is due to, regardless here it is.

Whole Wheat Flour Tortillas

1 Cup unbleached or all-purpose flour
1 Cup whole wheat flour
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 Cup canola or vegetable oil (I use extra virgin olive oil)
2/3 Cup warm water

"For hand mixing:
Rub flour, salt, and oil together with your fingers until completely incorporated and fine crumbs form.

Pour water into dry ingredients and immediately work it in with a fork. Dough will be in large clumps. Sprinkle with flour and knead until smooth.

Allow dough to rest in a bowl covered, for at least 30 minutes before baking.

Roll out or press tortillas as flat as you would like, brown in frying pan on medium-high heat foe about 15-20 seconds per side. Place hot tortilla on a towel and cover with another towel. (I don't do this) After each tortilla is placed in the towel, lightly spray with a water bottle to keep tortillas moist. (Or this) Makes 8-10 medium sized tortillas. (I get closer to 8 fit in my pan to cook size)"

Okay so I haven't mastered the perfect round tortilla, but you should have seen my first few batches. Keep in mind this is a learned skill, it will take some practice.

For those, like me, that still want to use a food processor same ingredients as above and...

"Food Mixer:
Place flour and salt in bow of food processor. Add oil and process for about 3 seconds. With machine running, pour water through feed tube in a steady stream. Let machine run until dough forms a ball 4- 6 minutes. Allow dough to rest and prepare and cook same as above"

I usually double the recipe and put the extras in a zip-lock style bag and store them in the fridge for about a week (if they make it that long).