Gorditas Pyles

1 pound masa harina

2 tablespoons lard or vegetable shortening

1 teaspoon salt

1/4 cup all-purpose flour

1/2 teaspoon baking powder

vegetable oil -- for frying

Combine the masa harina, lard, salt, flour, and baking powder in the bowl of an electric mixer; mix thoroughly. Divide the dough into 16 equal ball-shaped portions to make gorditas, or 8 portions to make gordas, the larger version. Press out to 1/8-inch with a tortilla press lined with lightly oiled plastic wrap. Pour enough oil in a frying pan to come 1/2 inch up the side. Heat the oil to 350F or until just barely smoking over medium heat.

Place a comal or skillet over medium-high heat for 5 minutes. Cook each gordita for 30 seconds on each side or until lightly browned.

Carefully place the gorditas, 3 or 4 at a time, in the pan of hot oil. Brown on one side, turn with tongs, and brown on the other side. When puffed and crispy, remove from the oil and drain on paper towels until cool.

8/29/98 kitpath@earthlink.net [PER SERVING: 250 cals, 5g fat] I've heard that like tortillas, gorditas may be baked in a 350F for 10 to 12 mins. Spray both sides with vegetable cooking oil to force browning.