Puff Pastry Taco Shell Food

TACO PUFFS

Steps:

• In a large skillet, cook beef and onion over medium heat until meat is no longer pink; drain. Add the taco seasoning and prepare according to package directions. Cool slightly. , Flatten half of the biscuits into 4-in. circles; place in greased 15x10x1-in. baking pans. Spoon 1/4 cup meat mixture onto each; sprinkle with 1/4 cup shredded cheese. Flatten the remaining biscuits; place on top and pinch edges to seal tightly. Bake at 400° for 15 minutes or until golden brown. Freeze option: Freeze cooled pastries in a resealable plastic freezer bag. To use, microwave pastry on high on a microwave-safe plate until heated through.

PUFFY TACOS

Steps:

• Combine all ingredients in a large bowl and mix thoroughly. When the dough is consistent begin rolling dough balls about the size of a ping pong ball. Using a tortilla press that is lined in a thick plastic, press out the dough. You use the plastic (it can be a ziploc bag that has been cut) so that the dough does not stick to the tortilla press. Meanwhile have a deep pot filled with cooking oil approximately 2 inches high and heated to 250 degrees. Drop the flat tortilla in the hot oil and using a metal spatula repeatedly douse with the oil. You will see that it will begin to puff up. Flip it over and using the spatula make an indention in the middle of the tortilla to forma taco shape. Remove from oil and allow to drain. Fill with ground meat, shredded chicken, guacamole, bean and cheese or your favorite filling. Top with shredded lettuce and diced tomato.
• Caution; Be very careful when making these. Make sure there is proper ventilation and do not allow the oil to get too hot. Also, if you can't get your hands on a tortilla press then use a clean counter. You will still need the plastic so that the dough does not stick to the counter. Place your dough ball on the plastic and cover with more plastic and then using something heavy to press it out.

PUFFY TACOS

Steps:

• For the taco shells: In a large, heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat, heat 3 inches oil to 375 degrees F or preheat your fryer to 375 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with a wire rack.
• Mix the masa harina and 1 teaspoon salt together in medium bowl. Add the warm water and combine until it comes together, about 30 seconds. Cover the dough and let rest for 8 to 10 minutes.
• Divide the dough into 8 equal portions and roll each into a smooth ball. Keep covered and work quickly.
• Cut two 8-inch squares of parchment and line a tortilla press. Add a dough ball, then top with the other piece of parchment and press into disc, 5- to 6-inches in diameter.
• Carefully remove the tortilla and place in the hot oil. Fry the tortilla until it begins to puff, 25 to 30 seconds, then flip the tortilla, cooking another 25 to 30 seconds. Press down in the center of the tortilla with a metal spatula to form a taco shell, submerging the tortilla completely. Fry until golden brown and the taco shell holds its shape, another 30 to 45 seconds.
• Let drain on a wire rack lined baking sheet, then season with salt and reserve. Repeat with the remaining dough.
• For the filling: Heat a 12-inch cast-iron pan over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, stirring to break up; sprinkle with salt and pepper and cook the ground beef fully, 2 to 3 minutes. Add the garlic and onion, stirring to prevent burning. Meanwhile, combine the cumin, chili powder, Mexican oregano and cayenne in a bowl, stirring to combine. Once the garlic and onion begin to turn translucent, about 1 minute, add the seasoning mixture and stir to combine. Add the crushed tomatoes to the same bowl and stir to combine, collecting any remaining spices, then add to the pan. Stir together until the beef is coated and allow to simmer until thickened, 8 to 10 minutes.
• Equally divide the taco meat into the puffy taco shells. Add equal amounts lettuce, sour cream and pico de gallo to each taco. Grate Cheddar over each taco with a rasp grater. Serve with lime wedges.

SEAFOOD SUPREME IN PUFF PASTRY SHELLS

Steps:

• Cook scallops in boiling salted water for 7-10 minutes and drain.
• Melt butter in large sauce pan.
• Add flour, salt and red pepper.
• Blend well.
• Add cream and milk stirring well and cook until thickened.
• Add paprika and worcestershire sauce.
• Blend well, cover and cook 10 minutes over medium heat.
• Add scallops(cut in smaller pieces if large) and shrimp, cook 15 minutes.
• Add crab and cook 10 minutes longer.
• Add Sherry, to taste; try 2 tablespoons to begin with.
• It makes a lot of sauce - so says the recipe.

CHEESY TACO POCKETS

Steps:

• Remove pastry from freezer and allow to thaw at room temperature for about 30- 40 minutes or until they are easy to handle.
• Meanwhile, add the beef, onion and green pepper to a large skillet and cook until beef is browned and vegetables begin to soften. Stir occasionally to break meat up and prevent scorching.
• Add garlic and cook for one more minute, stirring constantly.
• Drain all the grease from the pan and return to the heat.
• Add tomato, catsup, cilantro or parsley, cumin, chili powder, oregano and cinnamon. Reduce heat to low and allow to simmer for about 10 minutes. You want a pretty dry mixture so your filling stays put in the pastry.
• Remove from the heat. Stir in the cheese and set aside until cool enough to handle.
• Work with one pastry sheet at a time, keeping the others covered so they do not dry out.
• On a lightly floured surface roll out a pastry sheet to a rectangle about 16 x 12 inches and then cut into 8 even pieces.
• Put a heaping teaspoonful of meat mixture in the center of the pastry. (I always seem to over fill them no matter how carefully I measure so you may want to start with less than you think you should use and add a little more if needed. Voice of experience! ).
• Mix the egg and water together and brush pastry edges with it.
• Grab one corner of a pastry and fold over to form a triangle. Press edges with a fork to seal and brush the tops with more egg mixture.
• Repeat until all ingredients are used.
• Place the pastries on a sprayed or greased baking sheet. You could also use parchment paper or a silicone liner.
• Bake at 375 degrees for about 15-17 minutes or until golden brown.
• OAMC-To Freeze and Bake Later: Place pockets on parchment paper or wax paper and freeze until firm. They can then be transferred to a zip top bag and stored in the freezer. Remove desired amount from freezer when ready to use and bake as directed, increasing time to 17-20 minutes or until golden brown.
• Great served with sour cream, catsup or your favorite dip.