Apple Chicken Quesadillas, Revisited

I give up. I've made these quesadillas so many times. And every time I try to capture them on camera. And consistently fail miserably. They're just not photogenic. Who knew food could be such a hard subject?! So please, believe me when I say how incredible these quesadillas are! This time I added a little smoked Gouda alongside the cheddar and some thinly sliced red onions. Both great additions. Chicken + apples + cheese. You really can't go wrong. Oh, and don't skip the salsa. It's essential.

2/20/09: Several months ago I came across a Simply Recipes post for quesadillas with chicken, cheese, and...apple? I thought, "how strange!" and resolved to try them at once! Ever since our first crunchy bite, Dustin and I have been addicted! These are awesome! I don't even bother making a quesadilla any more unless I have a crisp apple to slice...plain old chicken and cheese just doesn't cut it. Whoever dreamed up this combination is a culinary revolutionary! It's new and edgy and pure genius! Dipped in salsa, even better. Slice your apples fairly thick, and cook your quesadilla quickly so that the apples remain crispy. It's the kid-friendly, adult adored, anytime meal/snack/treat!

INGREDIENTS

whole wheat flour tortillas

apple (such as a crisp Granny Smith), sliced 1/4 in. thick

boneless skinless chicken breast, cooked and diced

sharp Cheddar cheese, shredded (or smoked Gouda...mmmh)
red onion, thinly sliced (or caramelized onions... how amazing would that be?!)

salsa, for serving

DIRECTIONS

1. Preheat griddle or grill pan to medium-high heat. Butter or spray with nonstick cooking spray.

2. For griddle or stove top pan: Place a tortilla on the preheated surface. Cover with a thin layer of cheese. Top one half of the tortilla with chicken and onions (if using). Cook until the cheese is melted. During the last minute add the apple slices over top the chicken and then fold the other half over the apple slices. Finish cooking until tortilla is browned.

3. Repeat with the remaining quesadillas. Slice and serve with salsa for dipping.

Makes 4 quesadillas.

(Recipe adapted from Simply Recipes)