The Exploding Tortilla

“Unaccustomed to the easy-going life of their Mexican neighbors, [old-timers] were not contented to farm a little, eat a frugal meal of frijoles, chili and tortillas, and finish with a cigarette. “They craved more luxuries and more entertainment than this primitive little border town afforded,” remembered Marie Carter, a pioneer who lived in Anthony, New Mexico, 23 miles south of Las Cruces. She asked a man who came to the town in 1884 if he liked the native foods, to which he re