Tostadas

I made these for dinner tonight and was amazed when my kids commented that this is one of their favorite meals!  Who knew?  This is probably one of the quickest dinners ever. 

My friend Berta served these to us years ago and it has become one of our staples - especially on busy evenings.
The base of the tostada looks like this:

You can find various brands, but they are pre-cooked and very crunchy and delicious - my kids even love to just snack on them.  You can generally find them near the tortillas in any grocery store.

This is my favorite cheese for these - you can find it at Walmart, Costco and most grocery stores.  It crumbles really nicely and is rather mild.


Tostadas
Refried beans or canned pinto beans
Queso fresco
Chopped onion, tomatoes, olives, cilantro, lettuce - all to taste

If using canned pinto beans, drain half of the liquid.  Heat a large pan, and add 2 T. olive oil.  Once hot, add beans and heat.  As the beans heat, use a potato masher or the bottom of a cup and smash all of the beans until they are smooth and spreadable - here's a link.   If using canned refried beans, simply spread a layer over the tostada.
Sprinkle with crumbled cheese, olives, tomatoes, onions, lettuce.
Optional :Top with sour cream and hot sauce to taste. 

Mexican Breakfast Eggs

 

I have an aunt who is originally from Mexico and she always made these eggs for her kids. Back in college, my cousins taught me how to make these. My favorite thing about these eggs is the tortillas - they offer a great flavor and add a fantastic crunchy crispness to the eggs.

I've never had a actual 'written down' recipe for these - you just sort of make them. As such, this recipe greatly varies based on what is in the fridge and mostly by how many I am cooking for. The approximations here serves approx. 4-6.


8 corn tortillas
6 eggs - slightly beaten
1/4 c. chopped onion
1 minced clove of garlic
2 small tomatoes - diced
2 T. olive oil
salt to taste
shredded cheese
cumin, chili powder, black pepper etc.


Place tortillas in a stack on cutting board and cut into 1 inch squares with a large knife or pizza cutter. Toss into heated olive oil. Season with salt and continue to cook and stir until well toasted.

Add tomatoes, onions, and garlic and lightly cook for a minute or so.

Add eggs and seasonings and using spatula, continue to stir until the eggs are cooked.

Garnish with cheddar cheese.