Deep Fried Tortilla Bowls
from http://www.fashionedible.com/

"I had my first fried tortilla shell taco salad at a Mexican restaurant when I was a kid and I loved it. One day my mom decided to replicate it and so she cleverly used a can inside a tortilla to shape the tortilla. The crispy fried shell makes the taco salad that much better. Seriously. Of course, it's not exactly healthy - I always convince myself that it's ok because I'm eating a salad after all. It's all about balance, right? So how does my mom achieve this unique, crinkly tortilla bowl?

medium or large sized flour tortillas
vegetable oil
small pot 1-2
metal tongs
gloves
aluminum can (stripped of labels)

First, fill a small pot with about 3-4 inches of oil. Then take a tortilla (we used medium sized tortillas but it works even better on large sized tortillas - small sized ones will not work) and wrap it around a can. Be sure to remove all paper and labeling from the can.

Once you have the tortilla wrapped around, use the tongs (she used one but two is better) to clamp the tortilla to the can (one on each side if using two tongs).

Place the can/tortilla inside your pot and hold it there with the tongs for about 30 seconds (you may want to use gloves to ensure your hands do not get oil splatter on them).

Remove the can with the tongs. Be careful because both the can and tongs will be extremely hot. Use caution. Set aside the can.

Allow to fry for a few seconds without the can and then use the tongs to flip the shell over.

Wait about 10 seconds.

Carefully remove the shell with the tongs and set aside on a plate. If you want, you can use a paper towel underneath to drain any excess oil."