WHAT IS MASA HARINA USED FOR RECIPES

Steps:

• In a mixing bowl, combine 2 cups masa harina, 3/4 teaspoon salt, and 1 teaspoon baking powder.  Add 2 tablespoons lard and combine well (I usually crumble it into the mixture using my fingers.)
• Now add only 1 cup of the warm water and combine as much as you can using a spoon or spatula.  Add the rest of the water incrementally until you have a cohesive ball of masa dough. I usually dump the mixture onto a work surface and add the remaining water a few tablespoons at a time, kneading the dough until it comes together. Set aside and cover until you need it.
• Pull off a 3 oz. chunk of masa dough and use your hands to roll it into a ball.  (3 oz. is somewhere between a golfball and a racquetball.)  
• Surround the dough ball in plastic (I use a Ziploc bag with the top cut off) and use a flat-bottomed casserole dish to flatten the dough ball to a thickness that lies somewhere between 1/8" and 1/4". Keep in mind that you can always make them thicker at the cost of a longer cooking time. You can alternatively use a tortilla press for this step. 
• Pre-heat a dry skillet or comal to medium heat.  Cook each side of the Gordita until light brown spots are forming, approximately 1-2 minutes per side.  
• Meanwhile, heat up a thin layer of oil in a separate skillet.  I use a thermometer to get the oil up to 360F, and this corresponds to a medium setting on my stove. 
• Add the partially cooked Gordita from the dry skillet and cook it in the hot oil for 1-2 minutes or until the bottom side is brown and crispy.  You can optionally cook the second side in the oil but I frequently will only cook the first side in oil.  Set aside to drain on some paper towels.
• Use a knife to cut open the edges.  Insert your favorite filling and serve immediately.  I filled this batch with refried beans and cheese. 

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 425ºF. Place the butter in a 9x9-inch square glass baking dish and put in the oven to melt. Keep an eye on it so it doesn't burn!Meanwhile, in a medium bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients.Measure out the milk and maple syrup in a 2-cup liquid measuring cup. Add eggs and whisk well with a fork. Gradually add melted butter to the milk mixture, making sure to leave 2 tablespoons in the bottom of the baking dish.Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and whisk just until the flour is all moistened. Scrape the batter into the buttered baking dish and spread it out with a spatula. Bake in preheated oven for 20–25 minutes, or until the edges are beautifully golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.Serve hot with butter and maple syrup.