Tortilla time

September 14, 1999

Tortillas are made from white or yellow corn or wheat flour and have found their place in mainstream America. They come in all varieties and sizes from fajita, soft taco, burrito and kid sizes to extra thin, light and 98 percent fat-free. Flavored tortillas, often called wraps, include Southwestern chili, zesty garlic herb, sun-dried tomato basil and garden spinach herb flavors.

Tortillas are becoming popular as substitutes for traditional breads in sandwiches, pizza and hot dogs. They can be heated in a microwave or toaster oven, or warmed or baked in the oven, steamed, grilled or fried.

[cont. from lifestyle]

Here are some quick-fix meal solutions that take less than 10 minutes to prepare.

Heat it

On the stove: Preheat skillet. Heat tortilla on one side for 20 seconds, flip and heat for 10 seconds on medium-hot ungreased skillet. Turn frequently until soft and piping hot.

In the microwave: Place stack of six tortillas between two slightly dampened microwaveable paper towels. Microwave on high for 45 seconds or until warm. Keep covered until ready to serve.

Caution: Microwaving the tortillas in the bag may cause packaging ink to stain any surface the bag contacts.

Wrap and roll it

Place fillings in the center of a tortilla. Fold in one side, then bottom, then fold other side. Spread filling across tortilla and roll it up. Cut it in half for attractive presentation.

Breakfast

* Brown sausage and drain fat. Scramble eggs. Warm burrito-size flour tortilla. Place ingredients on top of tortilla. Season to taste. Fold tortilla.

* Spread cream cheese on one side of burrito-size flour tortilla, and top with granola and fresh fruit. Roll tortilla.

Lunch or dinner

* Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Place sliced, cooked, boneless chicken and cheddar cheese on flour tortilla, top with another tortilla and bake five minutes, turning once.

* Preheat broiler. Place soft taco-size flour tortillas on cookie sheet. Spread spaghetti sauce on one side. Top with favorite pizza toppings (onions, olives, cheese). Place under broiler until cheese melts.

* Reheat leftovers such as Chinese food and wrap in a warm flour tortilla.

Snack

* Spread peanut butter over a flour tortilla and top half with thin slices of banana and drizzle with honey. Roll up toward the peanut butter only side. Serve cold or warm in a microwave for five seconds.

* Spread a tortilla with butter and sprinkle with cinnamon and sugar to taste; fold in half and microwave for 15 to 20 seconds, until butter melts.

-- RECIPES --

|

|

|