What's for Dinner?

We've all heard and asked that question a million times, and for me tonight was one of those nights. The weather was warm, and with rain promised for tomorrow, I wanted to walk my dog rather than cook. This left me in the kitchen after eight with nothing on the table.

Tonight I was perhaps lucky, as I had some leftovers I could turn into dinner. Don't groan. I promise I didn't serve a mishmash that looked like it belonged in the much maligned Chinese buffet, and casseroles that involve emptying the refrigerator have never been my thing. Tonight's leftovers were the stuffed peppers and the coleslaw freshened with a cheese quesadilla.

The quesadilla is today's grilled cheese: quick, easy, and suitable for picky children. Who doesn't like melted cheese? Tonight mine was very simple, cheese and pico de gallo. As I had other items on my plate, I used a single flour tortilla and folded it over rather than two halves. Of course, it wasn't gourmet. I used shredded cheddar, instead of a Mexican melting cheese, and it is a rare day when I make my own tortillas. Even with most of the ingredients straight from the store, I recommend using a skillet on the stove and not the microwave to heat your quesadilla. The microwave is a cruel beast to tortillas turning them soggy and chewy. A skillet to wash is a chap price for the golden brown spots and slight crispness. I do mine in a dry skillet, but a thin sheen of oil can also be used. Low to medium heat works best; too hot and you'll burn the outside while the cheese is still cold.