It's Time To Treat Yourself To A Tortilla Press

One of the biggest things we love about travel is trying creative regional cuisines for the first (or millionth) time and returning home to tell our friends and family about it. And even if they're tired of hearing about that amazing steak we had at Le Bouchon Du Village in Turks and Caicos, or the dozen or so ridiculously delicious margaritas we tried at the JW Marriott Cancun, we'll never stop telling the same story, because that's just what travelers do.

Of course, things have been a little different lately. Spending more time at home over the last year had us ramping up the culinary nostalgia, so much that we've been trying to emulate some of our favorite resorts' signature dishes and cocktails at home. It's... not easy. At least not as easy as we'd hoped, but at least we've tried.

Fortunately, we recently found a device that makes us feel like geniuses in the kitchen. Verve Culture's tortilla press kit not only turns taco night into a fun family activity, but it also helps amateur chefs perfect the art of making one of the most important items in so many recipes. Plus, it looks pretty cool, so you won't even mind leaving it on the kitchen counter.

You might scoff at the idea of having to make your own tortillas; after all, they're available in your local grocery store and very cheap, so what's to stop you from just enjoying those? Well, anyone who has ever enjoyed fresh, handmade tortillas will tell you that there's no turning back. In fact, I still think about the fresh tortillas I had at Grand Fiesta Americana Coral Beach Cancún two years ago, and I bring it up every time we make tacos at home, which is at least once a week.

So, having a press kit at home is a godsend, especially when it's so easy to use. It's as simple as following the recipe to make a small dough ball, press it, rotate, and press it again. Cook on both sides for one minute and repeat the process for however many tortillas you need.

Obviously, the tortillas are the best part, but second best is that the process won't make a mess of your counter and clean-up is a snap. A few wipes with a paper towel and you'll be able to put your feet up so you can enjoy an ice cold Jarritos and maybe even a little mezcal floater if it's the weekend.

If you're the type of chef who likes your equipment to look good on the shelf or even blend into your décor, this'll do the trick. Made from recycled parts taken from older irons and even Singer sewing machines, the cast iron press was painted a bold red, not only to keep it from rusting, but also so guests will ask, "Whoa, what is that thing?"

Then, you can tell your own story while impressing everyone with your tortilla-making skills. Just don't forget the hot sauce.