In Spanish flauta means "flute". Flautas are tightly rolled corn tortillas with an assortment of fillings. Some fast food restaurants mistakenly call them "taquitas" which are actually old-fashioned tacos.

Flautas

1 cup corn oil
24 corn tortillas
1 1/2 to 2 cups filling of your choice (shredded beef, ground beef, chicken, beans or cheese)

1. In a skillet or pan, heat the oil to hot. With tongs, dip the tortillas in the oil on both sides to moisten them, no more than a second or 2, and stack them.
2. Place about 1 tablespoon of the filling in the center of a tortilla and spread it out lengthwise. Roll the tortilla tightly, and repeat the process until all are filled and rolled.
3. Reserve just enough oil in the skillet to keep its bottom moist. Add a few flautas at a time, keeping the tortillas seam side down. Cook them 5 to 10 seconds, then gently roll them in the skillet until they are golden brown on all sides. Serves 6 (4 flautas per person). Can serve with hot sauce, guacamole, chile con queso, sour cream and/or a salsa of your choosing.

Makes 24 servings.