Quesadillas, cheese-filled tortillas cooked until crisp and melted, are a simple quick pick-me-up. They are a standby for hungry kids after school. Served with rice, beans, and salsa, they make a complete lunch or dinner.

　　

Ingredients

4 servings

　　8 corn or flour tortillas

　　1 cup grated mild melting cheese such as Monterey Jack

　　1/2 teaspoon butter

　　

Step 1

Gather together: 8 corn or flour tortillas, 1 cup grated mild melting cheese such as Monterey Jack.

　　

Step 2

Sprinkle the cheese over 4 of the tortillas and then top with the remaining 4 tortillas. In a heavy-bottomed skillet over medium heat, melt: 1/2 teaspoon butter.

　　

Step 3

When hot, put in a quesadilla and cook until golden. Turn over and cook until the second side is golden and the cheese is melted. Hold in a warm oven and repeat with the other quesadillas.

　　

Variations

Step 4

Sprinkle chopped cilantro over the grated cheese before topping with the second tortilla, or put a few slices of roasted peppers or chiles in with the cheese.

　　

Step 5

After cooking, put a spoonful of salsa, mild or spicy, or sour cream, or Guacamole (page 219) on the quesadilla.

　　

Step 6

The tortillas can be cooked dry in a hot skillet without the butter, if you prefer.

　　The Art of Simple Food