Homemade tortillas

 printable recipe
 To make the tortilla:
4 cups flour
1 tsp. salt
2 tsp. baking powder
2 tbsp. lard or shortening
1 1/2 cups water

Combine all the dry ingredients and working with your hands incorporate the shortening throughout. Add the water, forming a ball. Knead on a floured surface until smooth. You can use a tortilla press, but I've tried both and almost prefer rolling out myself. I got it real thin this way. 

Get a large skillet ready and hot with enough vegetable oil to coat the pan.

Take a small golf-ball size portion in your hands and roll out thin and round. Place in your hot oil and it should form some bubble pockets. Check with some tongs and when slightly browned, flip to brown the other side. 

You are ready to top with your favorite taco meat and toppings. 

It is amazing and so simple, too. Continue to make your tortillas keeping warm on a plate, in an oven on warm until ready to serve.

Taco Meat:
1 1/2 lbs. of hamburger meat
2-3 tbsp. of chili powder
2-3 tbsp. of cumin
salt
1 tsp. garlic powder
1/2 chopped onion
1/2 cup water

In a large black skillet combine all the ingredients until the meat is browned and there is no more pink. Add your water and let it simmer until the water is evaporated, approx. 5 minutes. Taste for seasoning...you may need more salt. Add to taste.

Get your toppings out to top the tacos. I cut up iceberg lettuce, monterey jack cheese, tomatoes chopped, black olives, salsa, sliced fresh jalepeno, and sour cream.