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1
Mix the masa harina (corn flour, the same as corn meal) and salt in a medium bowl.
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2
Measure 1 1/4 cups of boiling water and the shortening into a separate pan or bowl.
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3
Stir until the shortening is melted.
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4
Pour this mixture into the bowl of corn flour and mix with a fork or blender on low.
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5
When the mixture is cool enough to touch (a couple of minutes) mix the dough with your hands.
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6
The dough will probably be a little dry.
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7
Add hot water one teaspoon at a time until the dough stays together and doesn't crumble apart.
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8
Knead the dough for one or two minutes.
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9
Play with the consistency by adding more water if needed.
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10
What you want is a dough that is moist enough to stay together but not too sticky.
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11
Have you ever heard of a tortilla press?
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12
They are designed to help you create perfect corn tortillas fast and easily.
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13
This corn tortilla recipe can be made without one but they sure make tortilla making a snap.
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14
And they are fun to use.
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15
I have my kids help me press them and they love it.
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16
I've included a picture of the one Nancy bought me for Christmas above.
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17
If you don't have a press yet, you can simply roll out the dough with a rolling pin.
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18
Just make sure you cover the dough with plastic, as per these directions .
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19
Form the dough into balls by hand.
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20
You should get about 16 balls (golf ball size) out of one recipe.
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21
If you are using a press, get a large, thick ziplock bag (I used a freezer bag), cut it around the edges and then in half so that you have two large squares of thick plastic.
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22
Open the press and place a piece of plastic on the bottom.
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23
Put one of the balls of dough on the press, slighly closer to the join than to the handle.
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24
Put the other piece of plastic on top of the dough and close the press thoroughly.
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25
When you lift up the press, your tortilla will be nicely flattened between the two pieces of plastic.
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26
You can peel them apart, remove the tortilla, and press the next one.
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27
It's quick and easy, and the tortillas taste great!
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28
Fry each tortilla on a lightly oiled griddle or frying pan over high heat for about 60 seconds a side.
