OK, so most of the time I don't stick strictly to the recipes. I tweak and add and take away ingredients. I almost always add more vanilla in my baking and more onions and herbs in my cooking.
I'm also not a big person for measuring, which is why I enjoy cooking more than baking. I just hate dealing with exact numbers.
And I have a confession. I like cooking by myself. I think it has to do with my OCD but I prefer to cook without anyone in the kitchen. It's not usually a problem until my daughter wants to help. I want to encourage her to learn how to cook but my, oh my, is it difficult for me! :) I'm working on it though.
My husband also likes to cook when he has the time. He makes a killer omelet and his breakfasts are always great.
Usually he leaves me alone in the kitchen because he's busy but last night, nope.
I decided I was going to make my favorite quesadillas and try new recipes for pico de gallo and guacamole. I wanted a tasty and very healthy meal. (Yes, the quesadillas are healthy).
I made the pico de gallo first, using a recipe from one of my favorite food bloggers and Food Network personalities, Pioneer Woman, a.k.a. Ree Drummond (www.thepioneerwoman.com). I discovered her blog a couple years ago and just really like her recipes. Now she's on Food Network and it's great!
The recipe didn't really work for me -- too much cilantro for my family's tastes -- but I tweaked and it turned out wonderful.
I also used the pico for the guacamole. I got that tip from the Pioneer Woman, too.
Pico de Gallo
- 4-5 tomatoes (equal to 4 cups when diced)
- 2 small onions (equal to 4 cups when diced)
- 2 cups cilantro, rough chopped
- 2-4 jalapenos, diced (I used 2, but you can use more if you want it spicy)
- lime juice
- salt
Dice tomatoes
and onions.
Rough chop cilantro.
Mix together.
Dice jalapenos. Don't forget to removed the seeds to take out some of the heat.
Leave the seeds for more fire.
Add to mixture. Squirt lime juice and salt to taste.
NOW, here's where my husband decided that this just wasn't enough. He wanted cumin. So he sprinkled onion as I'm behind him going "No!" :D
He says cumin makes it better. Gotta add a little sweet. Ornery man messing with my recipe! (Don't tell him, but it did taste good with the cumin. Hehehe)
And no, I didn't get a picture of his recipe tampering. I did get a picture of his plate tampering later on, though!
Guacamole
- 2 avocados
- salt
- pico de gallo
Halve the avocados lengthwise, separating by twisting the two halves.
Take out pit by stabbing with a knife and twisting.
Dice avocado flesh inside shell and scoop out with spoon.
Sprinkle with salt and mash with fork until avocado with it is the texture you want.
Throw in some pico de gallo (however much you want) and stir gently.
Chicken, Mushroom and Spinach Quesadilla
(I forgot to take photos of my process.)
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 8 ounces white button mushrooms
- 3 cloves garlic
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, chopped (about 1/2 to 1 large breast)
- 1 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoon oregano
- 3 cups fresh baby spinach leaves, sliced into ribbons
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 8 flour tortillas
- 2 cups shredded Mexican or sharp cheddar cheese
- salsa, pico de gallo, guacamole or sour cream for garnish
Heat a tablespoon more or less of canola oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add onions and mushrooms. Cook until mushroom water is evaporated and the mushrooms begin to brown, about 7-8 minutes.
Add garlic and cook for 1 more minute.
Add chicken, cumin, chili powder and oregano and stir until spices are mixed well.
Add spinach, salt and pepper and cook until spinach is wilted, 2-4 minutes.
Heat a large non-stick skillet over medium heat.
Lay one tortilla on flat surface. Layer cheese, chicken mixture and a little more cheese. Cover with second tortilla. Place quesadilla in pan, cooking about 3 minutes until cheese is starting to melt. Carefully flip tortilla and cook another minute or two until cheese is melted.
Slice quesadillas into quarters, or sixes.
And here's my husband's plate tampering! What can I say? I love him even when he aggravates me :D
And here is the whole healthy meal! Delicious!
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