Recipe: Flour Tortillas

I know what you're thinking, "Why would I make tortillas when I can buy them at the store for just a few dollars?"  You're right, tortillas are inexpensive, but these are even cheaper, super easy to make, and I think - more delicious!!  This is a great recipe to make with children too, they'll love rolling them out.  Just think of how proud they'd be eating those oblong, handmade, tortillas!

Ingredients:

-2 3/4 cups all purpose flour (plus extra for dusting)
-5 tablespoons vegetable shortening
-3/4 teaspoon salt
-3/4 cup warm water

Instructions:

• Dissolve salt in water.
• Into a medium bowl, add flour and shortening. Work the mixture with your hands until it becomes a fine, crumbly texture. If you don't like to get your hands dirty... Man up! Just kidding, feel free to use a pastry cutter or a food processor. 
• Pour 2/3 of the water into the flour mixture. Stir with a fork until the mixture is chunky. Add remaining water (if needed), little by little, until it starts to come together in a loose dough. 
• Turn out onto a floured board and knead gently until it comes together, about 10 times or so.  Do NOT over knead.
• Divide into 12 equal pieces. This makes a dozen small tortillas (about 7" diameter).  If you prefer medium or large tortillas, divide into 10 or 8 pieces, respectively.
• Place on a dish and cover with plastic wrap and allow to rest for 30 minutes. 
• Shape each piece into a ball.  Flatten and roll each out into a circle a few millimeters thick.  Keep remaining dough covered while you work.
• Heat a dry skillet (I suggest using a cast iron pan) over medium to medium high heat and let each tortilla cook for about 20 seconds.  You will know it's time to flip when it begins to bubble.  Don't be afraid to take a peek.  Turn it over and cook for an additional 20 secs.  You want each side lightly browned, not burnt! 
• Cover cooked tortillas with a warm towel or in a dish with a lid until ready to serve.
• Continue with remaining dough.  You should have enough time to roll out another tortilla while one is cooking. 
• Enjoy the tortillas warm in a wrap, taco, quesadilla... The possibilities are endless!

Tip:  If the tortillas get dry, you can warm them up in the microwave for a few seconds to make them pliable again.

Recipe from thekitchn.com's Home Hacks.