Bridget's Recipe Corner
 

Sometimes I am pretty good at multi-tasking and other times I'm not. Last week was one of those less successful times. For those of you who read the recipe corner, you may have noticed I omitted a couple of items. Just so you know, I used 1 bag of Barilla Cheese and Spinach Tortellini and roasted red peppers from a jar, which I buy at Sunflower Market. Last week my eldest son was hurt playing rugby (he's okay), so I think my mind was elsewhere. Sorry if there was any inconvenience.

On to this week's recipe. With Cinco de Mayo fast approaching, I thought it might be fun to have a 'fiesta themed' recipe. Liana frequently tells me how much she enjoys her mom and dad's cooking, so I asked if she might like to share something with us. She graciously accepted. So, thank you Lori and Rudy Melena for sharing your recipes with us.
Hope you enjoy them too!

Lori's Tostadas

Corn tortillas (as many per person as you want to serve)
Refried beans 
Chopped lettuce
Chopped fresh tomatoes
Shredded cheese
Cooked hamburger
Salsa (again, home made is best!)

I like to make my own shells which I think adds to the overall flavor. Use regular corn tortillas you can purchase in any grocery. Fry each one in "very" hot oil until they are nice and crisp. The oil will not permeate the shells if it is hot. Cook the hamburger and feel free to add spices (fennel is a good one); drain all the fat. Canned refried beans are "OK" but I also make my own (cook pinto beans from scratch; discard most of the liquid; and mash them with "bacon grease" and salt to taste. You can also use corn or canola oil but "again" the bacon adds flavor. I spread about 2 T. refried beans on each shell. I allow each person to put as much shredded cheese, meat, lettuce, tomatoes and salsa as they want so serve these in separate dishes. ENJOY!