I just want to start off by saying, there are tons and tons of food blogs out there. Many with better pictures than mine, better writing skills, and just better overall food-blogginess; yet you’re here right now, reading mine. So thanks. Thanks for sticking with me and reading my silly posts and taking the time to comment- it really makes my day. My pictures may not be crystal clear and totally flawless, but you know what? I sort of like them that way- that’s exactly how our food looks before we sit down and dig in. I don’t spend an hour adding tiny pieces of parsley, or taking a cloth and wiping away stray crumbs or melted cheese that doesn’t belong. I like stray crumbs. 🙂 And I like my blog. And I’m thrilled beyond words that you like it too. So again, thanks. Thanks for being really fantastic readers. I really, really love you all.
Ok, now that I’m done being sappy- here is a fantastic recipe for quesadillas. We made these this weekend and ate like big-fat-pigs! I was originally going to make these (do those not look insanely delicious?! I can’t wait to try them!), but didn’t have any bbq sauce. Then I remembered how much we adored the chicken kabobs I made a few weeks ago, and decided to just make quesadillas out of them (Good call, Amy!). These were cheesy, slightly sweet, a little spicy….a totally delicious meal! Can’t wait to make them again!
Grilled Chicken, Pineapple and Veggie Quesadillas
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1/2 cup Lime Ponzu, plus more for brushing (If you don’t have this, just use soy sauce, a pinch of sugar and a little lime juice)
fresh pineapple, sliced (you’ll only need about 1/4 of the whole pineapple)
1 red bell pepper, cut into slices
1 red onion, sliced into rings
1 jalapeno pepper
pepperjack cheese
cilantro
large tortillas
Place the chicken in a large ziploc bag with 1/2 cup of the ponzu and refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
After 2 hours, grill the chicken over medium-high heat (about 5 minutes on each side). When the chicken is nearly done, add the peppers, onion and pineapple to the grill and brush with the additional ponzu while cooking. Turn only once and remove as soon as the chicken is done cooking.
Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes, then slice diagonally.
To assemble: preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Sprinkle a little pepperjack cheese on two tortillas (as much as you like- I used about 1/3 cup for each), then top with the sliced chicken, pineapple, peppers and onion. Top with a sprinkling of cilantro then place another tortilla on top of each. Bake for about 5 minutes, just long enough for the cheese to melt.
Cut quesadillas into 4 pieces. Serves 2.
*To keep the edges of the tortillas from curling up on the sides, dip your finger in a little water and brush along the outer edge of the tortilla just before baking.
You’re welcome babe. Your blog is always a pleasure to read 🙂 As for these quesadillas – they look so delicous and perfect for summer.
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Comment by Eliana — July 19, 2010 @ 1:37 PM
You are SO sweet, Eliana! I can always count on you for encouragement! Your blog is a joy to read too!!! 🙂
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Comment by amy — July 19, 2010 @ 1:50 PM
I love that you added pineapple to these. I bet they have awesome flavor 🙂
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Comment by Anne @ the doctor takes a wife — July 19, 2010 @ 2:00 PM
I love your blog because you can tell you eat the food you make and really enjoy it. That’s how my blog is, too. I just write about and cook what I like, right as I’m about to dig in!
And for what it’s worth, I think your blog is excellent 🙂
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Comment by ashlee — July 19, 2010 @ 2:39 PM
Thanks so much, Ashlee! Your blog is wonderful!!! PS. I totally LOVE your “20 pounds of Pumpkin” pictures- hilarious!!
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Comment by amy — July 19, 2010 @ 2:51 PM
I love you blog!! Everything I have made is fabulous! I will be adding this recipe to the menu this week.
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amy Reply:
July 19th, 2010 at 9:46 PM
Thank you so much, Nicole! You’re so sweet!!
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Comment by Nicole — July 19, 2010 @ 6:14 PM
Every recipe I see with grilled pineapple has my mouth watering! I love that stuff and the way it caramelizes on the grill. Yum!
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Comment by Kira — July 20, 2010 @ 1:20 PM
Awwww, you like us! You really really like us!! 🙂 Seriously, I love your blog! Everything that I’ve tried from here was a winner!! My mom passed away in March after a very long illness and now I go to my Dad’s at least once a week and bring him dinner. I know he misses having home-cooked meals. I’ve brought him several recipes from here and they’re always a hit. Thanks!! 🙂
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Comment by Amy Brown — July 23, 2010 @ 9:00 PM
Wow, Amy- what a sweet, sweet story. Thank you for telling me this (although I’m very sorry your mother passed away). It’s
so nice to know that your dad is enjoying those meals- very, very humbling. Thanks, again.
All the best,
Amy
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Comment by amy — July 23, 2010 @ 10:58 PM
These look absolutely delicious! I love the addition of pineapple-would never have thought to do that myself.
You know, I almost bought an expensive camera last year, because I thought my pictures weren’t clear enough. But I had the same realization that you did-my food doesn’t look well lit when I eat it, there are crumbs, and corn pudding or rice pudding isn’t going to look better with an expensive lens, no matter what I do to it. I think your pictures are awesome and I enjoy your blog very much.:)
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Comment by Jennifer — July 24, 2010 @ 8:21 AM
Thanks so much, Jennifer! That’s exactly right- it doesn’t matter at all what kind of camera you use or if there are (heaven forbid!) no garnishes on the dish- what matters is that you love what you’re doing and that the food tastes great 10 seconds later when you eat it!! 🙂 That’s my philosophy!
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Comment by amy — July 24, 2010 @ 9:55 AM
Quesadillas are one of my favorite Mexican dishes – so easy and adaptable! Love the combo of flavors here.
I think your blog is terrific! I always enjoy stopping by to see what you’re up to even if I’m not always timely with my comments 🙂
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Comment by Tracey — July 26, 2010 @ 6:51 AM
Thank you, Tracey!! That’s a huge compliment coming from you- your blog is just awesome!!!
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Comment by amy — July 26, 2010 @ 10:48 AM