One of the newest and most favorite breads in America has actually been around for thousands of years. Americans are discovering what the original inhabitants of Mexico knew long before the 15th century: Tortillas make the perfect wrap for just about every kind of filling. They’re the second most popular bread in America — topped only by white bread.

Tortillas are the everyday bread of Mexico. They’re round, flat, flexible unleavened breads that resemble a pancake. Tortillas can be made from corn or from wheat flour. You can find an endless variety of tortillas on grocery shelves — including flavored, low-cholesterol or low-fat versions.

• Flour tortillas are made from white or whole-wheat flour and are more popular in Northern Mexico and the United States than in the rest of Mexico. Traditionally made with lard, they are usually made today with vegetable shortening or oil.
• Corn tortillas were originally made from dried corn kernels. Today they are made from corn cooked in a lime-based solution or from a corn flour called masa harina.

Tortillas are the perfect wrap for sandwich fillings, hot dogs, on-the-go salads, and Mexican and Southwestern-style foods. You can also use tortillas for dippers, desserts or as a base for thin, crispy pizzas.

It pays to think outside the bread box for other ways to use tortillas. Try these ideas to get you started:

• Wrap grilled, seasoned vegetables in a spinach or red pepper flour tortilla for a hands-on side dish
• Substitute low-cholesterol, whole-wheat tortillas for white bread for a healthier, more creative sandwich
• For homemade, healthier tortilla chips, cut corn tortillas into wedges, sprinkle with salt and broil until lightly browned. Serve with salsa.
• Spread flour tortillas with reduced-fat flavored cream cheese or peanut butter and top with sliced bananas. Roll up and serve for a snack.

Pick up a kit at the grocery store for a fast and flavorsome Mexican meal your family will love. You can find taco kits, enchilada kits and more. While you’re at it, pick up a bagged salad and some pre-cut fruit, and you’ve got everything you need for a delicious complete meal you can put together in mere minutes.