Guest Author - Amy McDaniel

Tostada, which means �toasted,� refers both to the fried tortilla, usually corn, that forms the base and the finished dish with all the toppings. The tortilla is like an edible plate for many of the ingredients that you may otherwise put in a taco: beans, meat or seafood, cheese, lettuce, tomato. You can buy pre-made shells, but fresh taste of crispy homemade shells makes it well worth the extra step of frying them yourself.

This recipe uses chicken, but beef, pork, or shrimp may be substituted. The mango pico de gallo is sweet and spicy, a nice balance with the salty tortilla and cheese. If you love mango, use two and just one tomato. In this recipe, the mango is just enough for a sweet mellow flavor.

Recipe

1 cup neutral vegetable oil like canola or corn oil
6 corn tortillas
Salt
2 chicken breasts
3 cups chicken broth
2 ounces Monterey Jack, grated
2 ounces lettuce, shredded

1. Heat oil in a medium skillet over medium-high heat until tortilla sizzles as soon as it is put into oil. Place one tortilla into oil and fry until golden, about 2 minutes. Remove to drain on paper towels, salting immediately. Repeat with remaining tortillas.

2. Bring chicken broth to a boil in a medium saucepan over high heat. Add chicken breasts. When broth returns to a boil, reduce heat to very low, and cover. Poach chicken until cooked through, 20 minutes. Remove chicken. When it is cool enough to handle, shred.

3. Assemble tostadas by placing on each tortilla 1/6 of each ingredient in the following order: shredded chicken, mango pico de gallo (recipe follows), cheese, and lettuce.

Makes 6 Tostadas (6 appetizer portions or 3 entrees)

Mango Pico de Gallo

2 medium tomatoes, diced
1 mango, diced
1/2 red onion, diced
1 jalapeno, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
Salt and pepper to taste

Combine all ingredients and add salt and pepper to taste.

Menu Planning

Count on serving at least two tostadas per person for an entree portion. As an appetizer, one for everyone should suffice. For a party, set up a make-your-own tostada bar with prepared tortillas and plenty of toppings, including a few choices of meats and a couple salsas or guacamole. Adding the choice of beans allows vegetarians to join in the fun! Roasted veggies make a great topping, as well.