The smell of fried tortillas and cinnamon engulfed our home during the Christmas season as my mom made dozens of these crunchy treats and wrapped them in cellophane to give to friends and family. I’ve now taken over the tradition, and my son loves to help me cut the tortillas into holiday shapes with cookie cutters or scissors before I fry them. Using authentic Mexican tortillas (lard and all) makes all the difference.

　　

Ingredients

serves 6

　　1/2 cup sugar

　　1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

　　Vegetable oil, for frying

　　Six 8-inch flour tortillas, whole or cut into shapes

　　

Step 1

Mix the sugar and cinnamon together on a plate.

　　

Step 2

Pour enough oil into a medium-size heavy saucepan to reach halfway up the sides of the pan. Heat the oil to 350°F.

　　

Step 3

Working in batches, fry the tortillas in the hot oil for 2 minutes on each side, until golden brown. Transfer them to paper towels to drain. While the tortillas are still warm, toss them with the cinnamon sugar, turning to coat. Serve warm, preferably, or at room temperature.

　　Fresh Mexico