Palm Sunday at San Jose Church
on the San Antonio Mission Trail
Several months ago some friends asked if I had ever been on the Mission Trail in San Antonio. My answer was, "No, but I would like to do that." This past weekend was my opportunity to do just that--with these friends as my guides. They are San Antonio "lovers" and have visited many times. So, they "know the ropes." That means, among other things, they know how to navigate the streets.
Since our "mission" was to visit the missions, we were set to do just that. Our first stop in the city was San Jose Church as shown in the picture. (It does not tilt. That's my inept picture taking.) At noonish this church has a Mariachi Mass. Although we did not get there for the entire service, we did hear the mariachi band and some of the hymns sung at the Mass. We did get to "Pass the Peace." After a tour of the grounds and some picture taking, we drove back into town to have our late lunch, early dinner at the El Mercado Restaurant, Mi Tierra. A brief wait for there was a crowd, but well-worth it. Good pork tacos with charro beans and guacamole. The flour tortillas were soft, almost fluffy, and served HOT. All the important things for a good Mexican meal including the margarita. PLUS my host had the guitarist play for us. Muy bueno!!!!!!
Our evening's entertainment was good conversation, good wine and the Lady Bears' Game.
On Monday we visited the Alamo and the other four missions. Each mission is different from the other--has its own charm and served its own purpose when established in the area. Each one still has its own congregation to serve. If you have not taken this tour that is not so far away, I recommend it. I hope that you can experience it with someone as knowledgeable as my friends!! Be sure to swing by Lockhart for some barbecue--it's the BBQ capital. Try Kreuz. My kind of barbecue--no sauce, but they have added a few sides. Not needed!!!
At the Alamo my relative's name has been taken off the wall for some renovation. However, I did find a family cookbook from Los Barrios Restaurant. This was named one of Esquire's top restaurants in America.(Didn't eat there this time, but next time.........)
Homemade Flour Tortillas
2-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon powder
1/3 cup vegetable shortening
1/3 cup hot water, or as necessary
1. Combine the flour, salt and baking powder in a large bowl. Add the shortening and hot water, mixing until a soft dough forms.
2. Divide the dough into 16 pieces and shape into a ball (these are called testales). On a floured surface, using a floured rolling pin, roll out each ball to a 6 inch circle.
3. Heat a griddle until hot. Place a tortilla on the griddle and cook until the bottom is slightly browned in spots, 1 to 2 minutes; the tortilla will puff up. Turn and cook until lightly browned in spots on the second side. Place in a towel-lined basket and cover with the towel to keep warm while you cook the remaining tortillas. Serve immediately.
These will keep, well-wrapped, for 1 week in the refrigerator and up to 2 months in the freezer.
I'll let you know tomorrow if this is a good method. The good homemade ones at Mi Tierra made we want to try it.
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