I started the year spending five glorious days in Mexico at Grand Velas Riviera Maya resort for Food Blogger Camp 2011. I know feel sorry for me really! It was hard work – really hard work – honestly. It didn’t help that I was finishing putting together a BLAD (Basic/Book Layout And Design) for my book, MADE IN AMERICA – more about that another time but lots of exciting news to share in the future. Every second I wasn’t in a lecture or tutorial, a photography workshop or a hands on cooking demo, I was to be found in my luxury suite tapping away at my computer – with fishes ocassionally jumping out of the lithium pool outside the door and monkeys scrapping in the jungle.
The camp [- and yes I went to camp – and no I am not going to change my moritorium on camping – I even asked them to change the name in my application because as you know I DON’T CAMP but it obviously went on deaf ears] was lead by Jaden Hair (Steamy Kitchen), Elise Bauer (Simply Recipes), Diane Cu and Todd Porter (White on Rice Couple), David Lebovitz (David Lebovitz), Matt Armenderiz (MattBites) and Adam C Pearson (AdamCPearson) food stylist to the stars. What an amazing group of mentors and educators – not to mention lovely friends found amongst my fellow campers – too numerous to mention everyone but thanks for all you shared.
One of the culinary highlights of the trip was the amazing Mexican food – not to mention the tequilla…
Tortillas are so front and center in Mexican cuisine – without them there would be no tacos, buritos, enchiladas or quesadillas. It is so satisfying to not only make the fillings – guacamole, salsa, cheese and/or spicy meat – but to also whip up a stack of soft warm fresh tortillas.
Once you have learned how to make these delicious light tortillas you will never buy dried out store bought again… it’s so easy. Take mesa harina (the corn flour – we used Maseca which is available everywhere, even Target!), warm water and a little salt and within minutes you will have fresh warm tortillas to add to your Mexican fiesta. Here we are making tortillas a mano – handmade tortillas using a press bought at a Mexican market by Maria our Mexican friend who taught us and showed us how effortless this really is (for $26 you can buy a large bag of Mesca flour and a similar tortilla press at the Mex Grocer or you can use a flat bottomed plate to flatten the dough balls). I enjoy the writing and humor at Ask A Mexican, so when it came to making tortilla’s I asked a Mexican – my dear friend Maria – to help us. We all had lots of fun and do this again and again. Thank you Maria.
2 cups Mesa Harina
1 1/2-2 cups hot water
1/2 teaspoon of salt
1. In a large bowl mix mix 2 cups of the mesa harina with 1 1/2 – 2 cups of hot water and half a teaspoon of salt to form a soft dough. Just like with bread dough, knead with the palms of your hands and balance the water/flour ratio so that it’s neither too dry or too sticky. Knead for about 5 minutes until the dough is smooth and the ingredients are completely combined.
2. Make 15 small balls of dough.
3. Using the press (or plate) and two pieces of plastic squash the balls into rounds and peel off from the plastic.
4. Place on heated non-stick pan and cook for about 2-3 minutes each side.
For a Taco Party at friends we added an extra flourish by embedding a small leaf of cilantro in the middle of each tortilla.
Homemade tortillas are out of this world! If I can’t make homemade, I buy freshly made from Wholefoods. The taste and quality makes all the difference.
Homemade tortillas are the best and yours look perfect!
Stunning pics girl… fab recipe too!
I wish we could go back and relive that week. One of my favorite moments was our dinner where we laughed till we cried. I had forgotten about you and your BLAD that week! I don’t know how you got all that work done with all of the margaritas being consumed. 🙂 I love this recipe. Homemade tortillas are the best!
Fresh, homemade corn tortillas are addictive!! I learned how to make them about 9 years ago – so simple and so delicious!
Haven’t made any for a while and this definitely motivates me to make them again –
beautiful photos Lucy – so glad I met you at “Camp”!
you know I love tortillas – especially with a touch of guac!! let’s have a mexican party soon!
You’ve just about convinced me to try this (though the handmade tortillas at Trader Joe’s aren’t too shabby.) Now I just have to find room in my kitchen for another tool…
I’m a huge fan of all things Trader Joe’s but there’s nothing like a tortilla fresh from the griddle – and no need for a press – just use two flat plates. So easy.
Hi Lucy, thanks for sharing the essentials on tortilla making. I am with you girl….the word “camping” is as far as I will go. 5 star resort camping is the only definition I will listen to.
no camping for me only GLAMPING
I have heard about this “camp” and really want to go to it one of these days! Love the idea of making my own tortillas, thank you!
You HAVE to come – it’s so much fun and so informative.
Matt is one of my favorite people in the world, he’s too darlin’ for words!
I love homemade tortillas, they are fabulous! Great tutorial.
We share a favorite in common – looking forward to sharing more
Perfect timing – I have been looking to buy a tortilla press!
Hi, this is such a great recipe and the pictures are beautifully taken. I was so inspired, I shared it on my blog mexicanfiesta.tumblr.com. Have a great day!
Thanks Maria – love tortillas with anything and everything