Crispy Tortilla Wedges

This is a take on tortilla chips, made with flour tortillas. I served them as a crunchy addition to the salads we were having for dinner, but they are also great for snacking. I usually bake them in the oven, but it is just too darn hot around here to turn on the oven. So I fried them in a small amount of oil on the stove-top. You could also do this with corn tortillas for a different flavor and texture.

Ingredients:

• flour tortillas
• vegetable oil (do not use olive oil!)
• salt

In a large skillet, pour in enough oil to coat the entire bottom of the pan (probably about 1/4 C). Heat the oil over medium-high until it begins to shimmer. Do not let it smoke - that means the oil is too hot. Meanwhile, stack the tortillas and cut them into wedges (I think 6ths is perfect). Have a plate lined with paper towels ready. When the oil is shimmering, gently add a few wedges at a time. Do not crowd the pan. After 30-60 seconds, you will see the edges browning. Using tongs, carefully turn the wedges over and let them cook for about 30 seconds more. 

Remove the wedges to the paper towels to drain and sprinkle with salt. Repeat until all the tortillas have been fried. Try not to eat them all at once!