Picadas Pinched Masa Tartlets Food

PICADAS (CRIMPED MASA TARTLETS)

Steps:

• With your hands, work the salt into the masa and divide into 20 to 22 walnut-sized balls. Press them into rounds about 3 inches across and 1/8 inch thick. Set them side by side (not stacked) on baking sheets as they are shaped, covering them with a damp cloth.
• Lightly grease a griddle or large cast-iron skillet and place over medium-high heat until a drop of water sizzles on contact. Have ready a basket lined with tea towels. Now you must work quickly, because the masa will be supple enough to shape for only a few seconds after baking. Place two of the prepared masa rounds on the hot griddle and bake for about 1 1/2 minutes, until the edges shrink away slightly from the pan and lose their raw look. Turn and cook the other side for another 1 to 1 1/2 minutes. Remove to a plate or work surface; while they are still hot, quickly pinch up the edges into a slightly raised rim. Place them in the basket and cover snugly with the towels. Continue with the remaining masa rounds, two at a time.
• In a small saucepan, heat the lard over medium heat until hot but not quite rippling. When ready to serve, arrange the picadas on a griddle and brush with the melted lard.
• Top half of the picadas with about 1 tablespoon of Salsa Verde de Aguacate and the other half with about 1 tablespoon of salsa de chile colorado. Scatter some of the cheese over the sauce in each picada and top each one with a swirl of crema and optional chopped onion.

PICNIC PASTA

Steps:

• Whisk together the mayonnaise, yogurt, vinegar and honey in a large bowl. Stir in the cornichons, herbs, capers, celery and fennel until combined. Add the pasta and salt and toss until well coated.

PICADA

Steps:

• Wrap the saffron threads in aluminum foil and toast lightly in a hot frying pan for a few seconds, being careful not to let them burn. Cool. Put the peeled garlic and the parsley leaves into a small bowl. Add the toasted saffron threads. Next, add the olive oil. Process with a hand-held blender to make a coarse paste. Add the toasted hazelnuts and continue to make an even, fine mixture.