tortilla press

[RunnerKim]

Anybody used a tortilla press? I didn't even know they existed and just saw one at CostPlus. If it hadn't been so small (about 6") I would have bought it. I've made homemade tortillas a couple of times and rolling out the dough is a big pain. Anybody used this thing and does it work? Are there larger sizes available?

[aj]

I've used one and it works wonderfully. It makes the smaller sized tortillas (the fajita sized) which is actually nice. (The big ones you see at the store are burrito sized tortillas) You make the dough, divide it into balls, then put the balls one at a time onto the griddle, put the top down, and squeeze with the handle (though not too hard)The ball flattens out nicely and round. Kind of like working with play dough. It's pretty easy to use and kind of fun, I'd recommend it.

[Shelly]

Kim, I bought a tortilla press not too long ago. Store-bought corn tortillas can't even begin to compare with homemade ones. Like you, I like the bigger tortillas. However, I decided it was worth saving LOTS of time to make the smaller ones with the press. It does work wonderfully, although I've only used it once so far. What I tried was to press the dough in the middle and then move it around the outside edge to try and make a bigger tortilla - am I making sense? Kind of like squishing the whole tortilla out in increments by moving it around (in between waxed paper, of course). It worked for the most part, but sometimes I got them a little too thin in places. Overall, I'd say it was a good investment, because we LOVE Mexican food in our house and after homemade tortillas, I'll never go back http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif
P.S. I didn't exactly have an easy time finding a press. I looked on Cooking.com and Williams-Sonoma websites and struck out. I ended up getting one at a restaurant supply store in town. I have only seen the 6" size so far.

[This message has been edited by Shelly (edited 07-26-2000).]

[RunnerKim]

I think I'll definitely pick it up next time I'm at CostPlus - it was $12 there - I did find it on cooking.com as well (probably a new item), but it was several dollars more (maybe different quality though)

Thanks for the input!

Kim

[breadmama]

I was searching for info on making homemade tortillas, and wanted to get some more ideas. I am trying not to buy a press (too many gadgets, not enough storage space...) But I do have a Black and Decker waffle iron/griddle that seems like it might fill the bill. (Although I'm not sure how hot to set the temp.)

I found a great sounding recipe for flour tortillas when I searched, but still need a good recipe for corn ones. I'm eager to try this at home - I keep hearing how excellent the homemade tortillas are!

Any thoughts? Any corn tortilla recipes?

Thanks!

[sneezles]

The recipe that I have always used comes on the bag of masa.


Corn Tortillas
Ingredients:


4 cups masa harina *
1/2 tsp. Salt
21/2 cups hot but not boiling water

*Masa harina (corn flour) can be purchased in most supermarkets. Quaker and Maseca brands are both excellent.


Directions:

Place the masa harina and salt in a large bowl. Add the water and mix with your hands to make a dough that comes together in a soft ball. Continue mixing and kneading until the dough is elastic enough to hold together without cracking, about 3 minutes. If using right away, divide the dough into 18 equal portions and cover with plastic wrap or a damp towel. If making ahead for later use, wrap the whole ball in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 1 day and then divide.

To form the tortillas, place a portion of dough between 2 pieces of plastic wrap. Press with a tortilla press or roll out with a rolling pin into a circle 6 or 7 inches in diameter. Use your fingers to smooth any raggedy edges. Continue with the remaining portions until the dough is used up.

To cook the tortillas, heat a heavy skillet, griddle or comal over high heat until it begins to smoke. Peel the plastic wrap off a tortilla and place the tortilla in the pan. Reduce the heat to medium-high and cook for 30 seconds. Turn and cook on the other side for 1 minute. Turn again, and cook until the tortilla puffs a bit but is still pliable, not crisp, about 30 seconds more. Remove and continue until all the tortillas are cooked. Serve right away as this is when they are the best.

[Kahlico]

I have a corn tortilla recipe but it uses both cornmeal and some whole wheat flour. It is easier to roll out with a rolling pin and I don't use (own) a tortilla press. Let me know if you want me to print it:)

~Emilie

[vbak]

Ya know, I saw one the other day at The Kitchen Collection, at the outlet mall. I can't remember how much it was, but I remember saying ...hhmmm and I saved the idea for future purchase. Maybe the more i hear about this toy, the sooner I will go out and buy it!:D Vicky

[AD]

Normally, I LOVE flour tortillas. I am spoiled by the restaurants that make their own. I once ordered a tortilla maker from King Arthur, and it had a mechanical odor that heavily affected the taste of the tortilla. I could detect the "machinery" and mechanical smell and taste. Perhaps it was the material it was made of or the nonstick coating. I tried making it several times several different ways. I think such equipment is part of the reason store-bought tortillas are not as good.

Corn torillas are a totally different food in my opinion. I never have liked them as well as the flour ones.

I would still like to try a tortilla maker by another brand or one that was made of a different material. The one from King Arthur did not work out well, and I did return it for a refund.

[jphilg]

Having just discovered the joy of homemade corn tortillas, I have made a deal with myself....if I put in 4 hours of studying for the bar exam (t-minus 8 days and counting), I will give myself special dispensation to go to Cost Plus and get a tortilla press.

I am actually making Chinese pancakes for mu shu tonight (not a fan of subbing flour tortillas) and I wonder if I could use the tortilla press for that, as well.

Hm.
Anyway...thank you so much for reminding me that my life is not complete without this particular kitchen gadget!
:D

Jen

[jphilg]

I just bought the CostPlus tortilla press. Experiments are forthcoming, and you all will of course be the first to hear the results!

Jen

[Peggy C.]

Jen, I did a quick glance at the time of your postings and was going to scold you because it had only been like 2 hours, but then I saw they were actually 2 days apart. So I will not scold, but am anxiously awaiting your report.