Austral 9-8-2003

Vegetable oil

12 Corn tortillas (the thinner the better)

6 Cups Refried Beans (or less)

1/2 Pound Cheddar cheese (sharp), grated

1 Large Tomato, chopped

3 Cup Lettuce, shredded

In a small skillet, heat about 1/2 inch of vegetable oil. Test the oil for

proper temperature by putting in a small piece of tortilla. When the oil

reaches the temperature where it immediately begins to bubble frantically

over the tortilla as soon as it is put in the oil and the tortilla piece

becomes crisp quite quickly, you are ready to cook the chalupa shells. This

is important because there is nothing worse than a soggy chalupa shell which

results from the oil not being hot enough.

Fry tortillas completely flat on both sides until very crisp. Drain and keep

warm on a newspaper covered cookie sheet in a warm oven.

Spread about 1/4 inch thick layer of refried beans on each fried tortilla.

Top with a generous amount of grated sharp Cheddar cheese and about 1 T

chopped onion.

Place assembled chalupas on a cookie sheet and brown under broiler until

cheese melts. Watch them carefully under the broiler, they can burn quite

quickly. Top with shredded lettuce and tomato and serve.