We all have a list of things we think do not go together, like stripes and polka dots; until someone comes along and makes it all right.  I have my list, and sometimes I don’t even know what is on the list until I see someone not pairing the usual with the usual.  The last time I remember this happening was probably last year at Oktoberfest in the Dimond district of Oakland, California.  We live in Oakland, and we are a half-Latino household in addition to being a half-employed household, and we eat adventurously, but when I saw hot-dogs being served in corn tortillas, I was a bit taken back.  I did try one, however, and I have been hooked ever since.  I don’t like most of the hot-dog buns sold in stores anyway, and this just gives a whole new slant to some two great traditional food items.

      I bought some smoked bratwurst on sale yesterday at one of the major grocery chain stores on special with 6 to a package for $0.99.  Meat on sale scares me a  bit, but I just could not pass up this opportunity, especially since the next two weeks are a little lean on money.  We can have a fun food item for very little money with this purchase.  I am going to tell  you how I go about preparing this probably five minute meal, and teach you a few new tricks about the tortilla and how to use it.

     First of all, while I bought the hot-dog at the major chain store, I did not buy the tortillas there because we like a particular brand of tortillas made locally that are found in the Mexican markets.  I buy a brand called La Finca made by La Finca Tortilleria on King Street in Oakland, and they are super delicious, but not to worry.  You can use any tortilla you like, but I suggest using a corn tortilla rather than a flour tortilla because it willhold up better to the juices.  The next thing I do with that tortillas is I heat it on a traditional comal, a flat and heavy slab of thin metal with a up-turned lip.  The comal is heated on high heat, and the tortillas are placed on the comal without oil.  No need to use tongs to flip the corn tortilla over if your careful, but you can if you like.  Don’t flip the tortilla too quickly at first becasue the tortilla will stick a little at first to the hot comal, but will release as its surface begins to cook a bit.  You can cook it to a soft finish or a harder finish.  You can fold it in half when it is harder if you like, and it will serve for a hard taco shell.