Instructions: * Note: For filling use any of the following: pico de gallo (a traditional Mexican salsa of tomatoes, red onion, and cilantro); guacamole; chopped tomatoes; sliced jalapenos; sliced scallions; chopped fresh herbs, such as basil; and grated cheeses.

For Flour Tortillas: Combine flour salt, and baking powder in a large mixing bowl. Cut in vegetable shortening using a pastry blender. Keep blending until consistency resembles that of oatmeal. Add warm water, and work dough into a ball with fingers. Knead for about 5 minutes on a floured board. Cover for 30 minutes. Cut the dough into 8 or 16 equal pieces with a knife or pastry cutter. Roll each piece into a ball, and let sit for 45 minutes.

On a floured surface, roll out each ball to the desired 9- or 7-inch diameter. Stack tortillas on top of one another with a layer of parchment paper between each. Cover with a damp cloth to prevent them from drying out. Cook tortillas in a nonstick pan over medium heat until light-golden brown; after two minutes, as they begin to bubble, press gently with a spatula. Turn over, and repeat on the other side. Stack between layers of parchment, and cover with a damp cloth.

Makes eight 9-inch or sixteen 7-inch tortillas.

For Quesadillas: Place a tortilla on a flat work surface, and sprinkle with fillings; top with a second tortilla. Quesadillas can be assembled through this step a few hours before serving. Cook over low heat in a heated, nonstick pan until the cheese has melted. Slide onto a round cutting board or plate; turn cutting board over, and return quesadilla to pan, uncooked-side down. Remove quesadilla from pan when both sides are golden brown. Cut into an equal number of wedges with kitchen scissors. Garnish with guacamole and a touch of sour cream. Serve immediately.

Makes four 9-inch or eight 7-inch quesadillas.

Cuisine: "Mexican"

If you would like to email yourself the recipe for later use, or share the recipe with your friends or family, enter the email addresses below and this recipe will be emailed to you and others as well.