Tortilla Chips

Wow, long time without posting again! As normal, i was sick for a long time, and not cooking much at all (4 months of bronchitis that ended with 2 weeks bedridden!). i am finally back on my feet, and cooking up a storm! only remembered to take pictures and write down one thing, but there will be tons more coming soon!

i have been doing a TON of budgeting lately, money is really tight so we are eating as cheap as we can. we aren't having to sacrifice much, though, as the foods i can make for cheap are things we love! so today's post is a cheap snack ive been making, and a lot healthier than the fried store versions! BAKED TORTILLA CHIPS! these come out to about 40 cents a batch, which is 1/2-2/3 of a bag at the store. super cheap for a great snack! ive been serving mine with a homemade salsa or bean dip.


MAKING THE TORTILLAS

2 cups masa harina (corn flour treated with lime)
1 1/4 cup water

1. measure the masa into a bowl, gradually add the water and stir til it forms into nuggets.

2. using your hands, form the dough into a ball, then separate into 16 pieces.

3. roll one piece of dough into a ball, place it between two plastic sheets, then press it flat with a tortilla press or other object
(i used an inverted coffee can lid, and pressed with my fingertips, feeling for lumps)

4. peel the top plastic off the tortilla, then flip and peel the other piece of plastic off.

5. brown on a skillet over medium high heat until bubbles form on top. flip and cook another 30 sec or so.

6. repeat steps 3-5 for remaining pieces of dough.



MAKING THE CHIPS

16 corn tortillas
1-2 tbsp oil
salt to taste

1. preheat oven to 350 degrees.

2. dip a pastry brush in the oil and wipe a thin layer of the top of a tortilla.

3. continue wiping a thin layer onto the tortillas until the brush dries on both sides, then re-dip. stack tortillas on top of each other as you coat each one.

4. after all tortillas are coated in oil, place a small pinch of salt on top of the top tortilla and rub in with fingertips.

5. repeat step 3 til all tortillas are salted, re-stacking as you finish each one.

6. using a large knife (chef's knife works great) cut the tortillas across the middle. turn 90 degrees and cut again, making quarters.

7. arrange pieces on a baking sheet, making sure that they dont overlap.

8. bake at 350 degrees for 12 minutes, longer if your tortillas are thick. repeat until all are baked.





Make sure to come back tomorrow for pizza day!