Wednesday, September 21, 2011

Quesadillas: One-Pot Wonders

As soon as I got Emeril Lagasse's cookbook, Sizzling Skillets and Other One-Pot Wonders, (a preview copy since I was selected for a blogging party) I browsed through the book and bookmarked the recipes I wanted to make first.

Those first few choices were based partially on what supplies I had on hand.

Then I picked a couple recipes that sounded really good to me, and went shopping for needed ingredients.

Then threw caution to the wind and handed the cookbook to my husband so he could pick out a few recipes.

After he made his choices, he told me that it was tough and he would have liked any of them. I think I need to hand him cookbooks more often. I liked everything he picked.

The first husband-chosen recipe I decided to make was Chorizo and Potato Quesadillas with a Cilantro Chile Crema. Long title, but the recipe was fairly easy. The crema just needed to be blitzed in the blender.

The quesadilla filling also came together easily, and the great thing is that it can be made ahead of time and assembled and cooked quickly later. So you can have the filling and crema in the fridge, and make the quesadillas for lunch, dinner, or a quick snack whenever you want them.

The quesadilla filling includes chorizo and potatoes, like the title says, and of course, cheese. That's pretty common.

The pretty green crema puts it over the top, though. Not only does it add a splash of color, but it also adds richness from the sour cream, freshness from the cilantro, and heat from the peppers.

Sliced avocados make a nice accent for the dish, as well.  Of course, quesadillas can support a whole lot of garnishes. Tomatoes, salsa, cilantro, sour cream, onions ... the sky is the limit.

As much as I'd love to hand over the recipes for every one of the recipes I make from the book, we're only allowed to publish a limited number of them. It makes sense. There are 20 bloggers participating, so if we all made different choices, we could publish the whole book. But don't worry, there will be a chance to win a book here soon, so check back for that. Or, if you're not feeling lucky, you can order one here.

For my part in this party, I've been given a copy of the cookbook, a jar of Emeril's Essence and serving bowls made by Zak! 

Bloggers who participate in this party and complete the 3-week assignment will receive some additional books by Emeril as well as a small cash reimbursement. One blogger will be chosen to receive a 6-quart Emeril-branded crockpot made by T-Fal.

For more information on Morrow's cooking blog, see The Secret Ingredient. Want to pre-order the book? Clicky-clicky right here.

They're nice for serving toppings, small side dishes, little nibbles, or whatever you want.


They nest together for storage, and you can arrange them in a flower-like shape, which is kind of cool.


They're dishwasher-safe, but not microwave safe. They look pretty sturdy, too. Some kind of hard plastic material. When I first saw them, I was a bit skeptical that I'd like them, but they're actually kind of neat-looking, and they look nice in photos, which is always a plus.



And heck, on taco night, I can put all the darned components in matching bowls, instead of grabbing my usual mix-and-match mess.
Yum

17 comments:

Pat R said...

I'd serve different nibbles at a cocktail party. They are so adorable!

psrrn@aol.com

Jan said...

They would be pretty on a baked potato bar.

Jan said...

I am an email subscriber.

diabeticFoodie said...

These quesadillas look terrific. Love the Cilantro Chile Crema idea. Nice use of the "flames" too!

Yuri said...

I think these are perfect for Korean banchan! Need them in my life, so pretty *_*

Yuri said...

I just tweeted about this giveaway :)

Brooke said...

I think I have the same first impression you did, so I'm glad you told us how cool they are. Thanks for ANOTHER giveaway. I hope your Birthday was fantabulous!

brookekittle@hotmail.com

SherriM said...

Great blog. I'm new here after finding you on Serious Eats. Love what you do with food. Thanks!

J.K. said...

I would use these when hosting a pizza night - each could hold a different topping for people to choose from while assembling their pies.

theminx said...

I'm with you - they'd be great for holding taco fixins. I usually use bigger bowls that take up entirely too much room on the table.

onepercent99 said...

Taco night or super bowl sunday!

looloolooweez said...

Ooooh, these would be great for holding a variety of dips for get-togethers with folks who have widely varying tastes. Wouldn't have to choose between putting out hummus or ranch dressing or queso or mild salsa or hot salsa or... you get the idea.

Oh! You Cook! said...

I'd use them for taco toppings.

Amanda said...

I'd use these bowls for a mise en place when I have guests over---keeps things neat and looking pretty!

Karriann Graf said...

I'd use these little plates for homemade tacos or pizza's or as small salad/tapas plates. These little flames would be great addition to my "Spice it Up"tagline!

Happy Cooking!

30AEats said...

Looks divine! I'm hungry!!!

Deena Smith said...

Love these Serving Bowls! This is such a good idea, especially for a dinner with many components! Your photos are making me very hungry! Enjoy!

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