← All step-by-step guides›Food and basics

Wants to make tortillas, bread or biscuits at home

Use when someone wants to save money by making flour tortillas, corn tortillas from masa harina, simple bread or biscuits at home.

In danger right now: call 911. Crisis or thoughts of suicide: call or text 988. Not sure where to start? Call the Silver City Gospel Mission: 575-388-5071. Police, fire or sheriff, not an emergency: 575-388-8840 (Central Dispatch). Print our list of phone numbers → · Food pantry calendar → · Free meals calendar → · Getting there: bus and rides →
These are the same steps our staff use when they help someone. "They" means the person who needs help: you, or someone you are helping. Go in order, and call ahead when you can.
In this guide
  1. Find out what they have
  2. Flour tortillas (about 8)
  3. Corn tortillas from masa harina (about 12)
  4. Biscuits (about 10)
  5. Simple bread (1 loaf)
  6. Get the flour and masa

1Find out what they have

You can ask"Do you have flour or masa harina, oil or lard, and a skillet? Do you have an oven?"
You can say"A 5-pound bag of flour or masa makes a lot of tortillas for very little money."

2Flour tortillas (about 8)

Mix 2 cups flour, 1 teaspoon salt and 1 teaspoon baking powder (optional, makes them softer).
Mix in 1/4 cup oil, lard or shortening. Add about 3/4 cup warm water, a little at a time, until a soft dough forms.
Knead 2 minutes. Cover and let it rest 15 to 30 minutes.
Make 8 balls. Roll each one thin with a rolling pin or a clean bottle.
Cook in a hot dry skillet about 30 to 60 seconds a side, until brown spots show.
Keep them warm in a clean towel.

3Corn tortillas from masa harina (about 12)

Mix 2 cups masa harina with a pinch of salt. Add about 1 1/2 cups warm water (check the bag).
Mix by hand. Dough should feel like play-dough: not sticky, no cracks at the edges. Add water or masa as needed.
Cover and rest 10 minutes. Make 12 small balls.
Press each ball flat between two pieces of a plastic bag, using a heavy flat pan or a tortilla press.
Cook in a hot dry skillet about 1 minute a side. Flip again; it may puff. Stack in a towel.

4Biscuits (about 10)

Mix 2 cups flour, 1 tablespoon baking powder and 1/2 teaspoon salt.
Stir in 1/3 cup oil or cut in shortening. Add about 3/4 cup milk (or powdered milk mixed with water). Stir just until it comes together.
Pat 3/4 inch thick. Cut into squares or circles.
Bake at 450 F about 10 to 12 minutes until golden.

5Simple bread (1 loaf)

Mix 3 cups flour, 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) yeast, 1 tablespoon sugar and 1 teaspoon salt.
Add 1 1/4 cups warm (not hot) water and 1 tablespoon oil. Knead 8 to 10 minutes until smooth.
Cover and let rise until double, about 1 hour. Shape, put in a greased pan, rise again about 30 to 45 minutes.
Bake at 375 F about 30 to 35 minutes, until it sounds hollow when tapped.
For fry bread, gorditas and tamales, see the guide "Recipes with masa and flour: tamales, gorditas, fry bread and more".

6Get the flour and masa

At the Gospel MissionAsk about flour or masa in the Mission food pantry or food box.
To buy in bulk, see the guide "Wants to stock up on beans, rice, masa, flour, sugar, salt and oil".
To keep flour free of bugs, see the guide "Wants to store food so it lasts (no bugs, no fridge)".

More help like this

Hungry today and needs food for the monthUse when someone is hungry now and also needs enough food for the rest of the month.Has special diet needs (diabetes, allergies, no teeth)Use when someone needs food that fits a health need: diabetes, food allergies, kidney or heart problems, soft food for missing teeth, or special baby formula.Someone is asking for money at your doorUse when a stranger knocks at your home or business asking for money, gas, food or a ride, and you want to stay safe, spot scams, and point them to real help.All food pantries in Grant County: places, days, times and what to bringUse when someone wants a list of every food pantry and free food distribution in Grant County, with where and when they are, who qualifies and what to bring.Wants to stock up on beans, rice, masa, flour, sugar, salt and oilUse when someone wants to buy basic staples (beans, rice, masa, flour, sugar, salt, oil) in bulk to save money and have food that lasts for months.Wants more fresh fruit and vegetables with SNAP (Double Up Food Bucks)Use when someone gets SNAP and wants more fresh fruit and vegetables. Double Up Food Bucks gives free extra money for New Mexico-grown produce at farmers markets.

See all guides in Food and basics →

This guide is general information only, not medical, legal or other professional advice. Places and rules change, so please call before you go. In an emergency, call 911; in a mental health crisis, call or text 988. Disclaimer

Know a better way? Is something out of date?

If a number or place here is wrong, you know a better resource, or you know a better way to help, tell us. We automatically check reliable sources and update supported routine details. Unclear changes and safety guidance go to our staff for review.

📞 We need volunteers to keep this guide up to date. You can help from home, an hour a week. See how →
Print these steps · Find more places to get help · Hours and numbers change; please call ahead. Something wrong? Tell us
Questions, or want someone to walk through this with you? The Silver City Gospel Mission, 111 S. Texas St., Silver City, 575-388-5071, weekdays 9:00am-1:45pm. Everyone is welcome.