tortilla

Fearing political backlash, Mexico's government is promising citizens that it will do what it can to keep tortilla prices right where they are. According to Mexico's National Chamber for the Tortilla and Dough Industry, prices will rise 18 percent in the coming weeks.

The government, sensing troubling inflation and massive protests, is planning to offer financial support to offset the price of transportation and warehousing, according to BBC.

The high costs of corn and gasoline are causing the spike. Hording of corn by producers is also putting a strain on supply. Tortillas, being such a staple, have ability to influence Mexico's national economy. Bloomberg News reports that a 40 percent jump in tortilla prices would probably force the central bank to deliver a significant interest rate hike.

Can you think of a food staple for which an 18 percent rise in price would cause massive street protests in your neck of the woods? Is it surprising that food prices would have a direct impact on the bank's interest rates? What food would cause the government to intervene in the States?

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If you don't know by now, I'm a huge fan of foods from Amy's Kitchen. I love her Vegetable Lasagna and Stuffed Pasta Shells, and her canned Vegetable Barley Soup is really tasty and filling.

Sugar users juju and james bond girl suggested I try Amy's burritos. You can find them in the freezer section of most health food stores. They weren't too expensive — about $3 or 4 each — and they have a few varieties such as Bean & Cheese (I tried this one), Bean & Rice, Black Bean Vegetable, Breakfast (with tofu and potatoes), Indian Spinach Tofu Wrap, and Southwestern (with jalapeño peppers and black olives).

Want to know what I thought of Amy's Bean & Cheese Burrito? Then read more

After paella, tortilla Española is Spain's most well known dish. Similar to an omelette, this tasty dish of eggs, potato, and onion is consumed day and night, hot or cold, all over the country. I've had many tortillas in my life, but none are as good as Santos's famous tortilla. I was recently in Spain and was lucky enough to chat with 80 year old Santos. He still frequents his bar everyday for a slice of the tortilla that's four inches thick.
The balance of the simple egg and onion flavors is sheer culinary bliss. Located next to the historic Mezquita, this crowded bar is a landmark in itself. Santos refused to reveal the secret to his tremendous tortilla, but I'm assuming practice and love are two of the ingredients. To take a look at a recipe and all of the pics from my afternoon excursion to Santos, read more

In Spain, tortilla is a go-to dinner dish when time and patience is lacking. This Spanish staple, a circular potato and egg omelet, is found in just about every restaurant, bar, and household across the country. No kitchen is ever without potatoes, eggs, and olive oil making it a perfect last minute, quick fix meal. This colorful variation is filled with robust chorizo, tasty peas, and roasted red peppers. Go ahead and pretend you're Spanish for the night (serve with a chilled glass of Alboriño). You don't have to board a plane, all you have to do is read more

As a kid, I hate to admit it, but I grew up on junk food. Maybe that's why I'm such a freak about it now - too many years of eating crap that make you feel like crap.

Nacho Cheese Doritos were one of my faves. They were a typical afternoon snack when I came home from school - I used to LOVE licking the powdered cheese off my orange-stained fingers. I've long since given those up, but they'll always be one of my fond childhood memories.

While at the health food store, I came upon Pico de Gallo Chips made by Garden of Eatin'. They taste so much like Doritos, but the ingredients are much healthier. Doritos have partially hydrogenated soybean and Cottenseed oil. And nothing says junk food like artificial color - love that Yellow 6. Yum.

Want to see how they compare nutritionally? Then read more