Duritos

Duritos, originally uploaded by Misadventures of Little J.

Growing up in and around Los Angeles, I remember these mexican treats being sold by push cart vendors on the street corners, walking up and down my street or by churches on Sundays. The constant honking of the bicycle horn reminds me of the little kiddie music being blasted from ice cream trucks as they drive by. Their own way of saying "I'm here!" I remember my excitement as my friends and I would buy a bag as an after school snack and devour every bite.

They come in small or large bags (depending on who is selling them) and look like pin wheels. There are also square shaped ones, too. These tasty treats resemble chicharones (pork rinds), but are not made of any meat product. They are made of flour and deep fried. If done well, they shouldn't be overly greasy.

Pop open a bag and squeeze a generous helping of lemon juice and hot sauce. Tapatio is usually the hot sauce of choice. Shake the bag really well, so that every or most of the tasty morsels are nicely coated, then enjoy. If you wait too long, they will turn soggy and mushy. Yet, still good enough to eat.