On Mon, 14 Jul 2003 22:46:29 +0200, "Frank" > wrote:

>our new mexican cookbook quite often refers to
>"masa" and it´s avaiability in specialist shops /
>delis. as we live in germany, we haven´t been
>able to track any "masa" down so far.
>
>where can we find this ingredient, order or how to
>substitute it ?

Strictly speaking, "masa" means "dough" -- specifically the cornmeal
dough used to make tortillas. I understand the ready-to-use moist
dough is sold in some Hispanic markets. Not in my corner of the USA.
"Masa harina" ('dough flour') is the dried version sold in the flour
section of supermarkets that, well, carry masa. 'Quaker', as in the
oats people, is the most common brand in the US. Cornmeal is not an
adequate substitute, as the processing of dried corn with lye/lime
water to remove the hull results in a somewhat different flour.

BTW, is that a new Mexican cookbook, or a New Mexican cookbook?

Try this site for International deliveries.

http://www.homeworkersexpats.com/expathandylinks.htm

--
William Barfieldsr
"Frogleg" > wrote in message
...
> On Mon, 14 Jul 2003 22:46:29 +0200, "Frank" > wrote:
>
> >our new mexican cookbook quite often refers to
> >"masa" and it´s avaiability in specialist shops /
> >delis. as we live in germany, we haven´t been
> >able to track any "masa" down so far.
> >
> >where can we find this ingredient, order or how to
> >substitute it ?
>
> Strictly speaking, "masa" means "dough" -- specifically the cornmeal
> dough used to make tortillas. I understand the ready-to-use moist
> dough is sold in some Hispanic markets. Not in my corner of the USA.
> "Masa harina" ('dough flour') is the dried version sold in the flour
> section of supermarkets that, well, carry masa. 'Quaker', as in the
> oats people, is the most common brand in the US. Cornmeal is not an
> adequate substitute, as the processing of dried corn with lye/lime
> water to remove the hull results in a somewhat different flour.
>
> BTW, is that a new Mexican cookbook, or a New Mexican cookbook?

This url has a recipe to make masa de maiz
http://www.mexconnect.com/mex_/recip...a/kgmasa1.html

Linda

"Frogleg" > wrote in message
...
> On Mon, 14 Jul 2003 22:46:29 +0200, "Frank" > wrote:
>
> >our new mexican cookbook quite often refers to
> >"masa" and it´s avaiability in specialist shops /
> >delis. as we live in germany, we haven´t been
> >able to track any "masa" down so far.
> >
> >where can we find this ingredient, order or how to
> >substitute it ?
>
> Strictly speaking, "masa" means "dough" -- specifically the cornmeal
> dough used to make tortillas. I understand the ready-to-use moist
> dough is sold in some Hispanic markets. Not in my corner of the USA.
> "Masa harina" ('dough flour') is the dried version sold in the flour
> section of supermarkets that, well, carry masa. 'Quaker', as in the
> oats people, is the most common brand in the US. Cornmeal is not an
> adequate substitute, as the processing of dried corn with lye/lime
> water to remove the hull results in a somewhat different flour.
>
> BTW, is that a new Mexican cookbook, or a New Mexican cookbook?

Hi,
I am not exactally sure what it is you are looking to make but as another
Mexican food lover living in Germany I thought I would pass on this link to
you.

http://home.tiscali.de/mexal/mexal/index.html

I believe that this is the biggest Mexican food distributor in Germany and I
can tell you they saved my sanity when I first moved here. They carry Masa
Harina (both normal and blue) among much else. By the way I have found that the
Masa Harina sold in most German markets or Turkish stores is strange. First I
was so happy to find it but when I tried to make my first batch of tortillas it
was like adding water to sawdust. It never got sticky. So if you haven't tried
it already then don't bother wasting your money. I recently tried tortillas
again with the Masa Harina from this place and those turned out very well.
Strange about the difference in the flours, I wonder what you do with the non
sticky kind? Anyway they are located in Aachen and open to the public on
Fridays or you can order online if you are not in the area. I would like to try
to make my own from scratch someday but for now it is too much to do. Buying is
sooo much easier.

Hope I helped,
Lynn