Paula Deen's Lean: Cheese Quesadillas

Last week's poll ended with Cheese Quesadillas as being the most wanted appetizer. This is one of my favorite dishes. If we go out for Mexican and margaritas, it's a guarantee that I'm ordering some kind of quesadilla. So needless to say, I am extremely happy with what ya'll picked. Thanks!
There isn't much to a cheese quesadilla; cheese and tortilla. Since my mission is to create meals that are a little bit lighter and pack a more nutritional punch, a few extra ingredients needed to added to give this dish some pep! Check out my version of Paula Deen's Cheese Quesadilla.




CHEESE QUESADILLAS

Makes 8 Quesadillas

INGREDIENTS:


8 medium WHOLE WHEAT tortillas



2 cups grated Reduced-Fat (2%) Mexican cheese blend


Cooking Spray


Fat Free Sour cream, for garnish


Salsa, for garnish


1 Red Pepper, chopped


1 Green Pepper, chopped


1 small onion, chopped


DIRECTIONS:

Sautéed chopped peppers and onions in a little bit of cooking spray. Cook until veggies are tender. Set aside.

Lay the tortillas flat on a cookie sheet. Sprinkle some of the cheese on 1 half of each tortilla. Try not to get it too close to the edge. Add a spoonful of  veggies sautéed on top. Fold the tortillas in half over the cheese and veggies to make a half-moon.

Warm a skillet over low heat and add a quick shot of cooking spray. Add the tortilla to the skillet and cook until it is lightly brown, about 2 minutes. Using a spatula, gently lift the edge so you can check. When 1 side is brown, turn the tortilla over and cook the other side until brown and the cheese is all gooey. Use a spatula to transfer to individual plates or a large platter. Repeat with remaining butter and tortillas. Top them with the sour cream, salsa and guacamole (easy on the guac; healthy, but high in fat).

RESULTS:


It was scary.  My caveman of a husband almost lost it when he realized there was no meat going into this dish. "You're kidding me, right Lindsay? No meat?!?!" Yes, I know it is an appetizer, but it can also be a great dinner!
Well, after eating two of them, he was raving about how delicious and filling they were. After being married to this man for 4-1/2 years, this could have been one of two things;  his attempt at working his was into my good graces or they really did hit the spot. I would have said he was just trying to make up, but based on the absence of late night snacking, I think it is safe to say that these Cheese and Veggie Quesadillas are enough to satisfy even a grown man's Mexican cravings and growling tummy. They make a great appy and a nutritious, filling meal. ENJOY!

NUTRITION FACTS (per serving; one quesadilla): 221.13 calories; 8.5g fat;  25.39g carbohydrate;  11.33g protein;  2.63g fiber
Add 2 tbsp Fat Free Sour Cream & 2 tablespoons salsa for an extra: 33 calories; .05g fat; 6.99g carbohydrate; 1.48g protein; .5g fiber