Donna's Day: Creative Family Fun
Make Quesadillas for Cinco de Mayo
BYDONNAERICKSON

Cinco de Mayo -- the fifth of May -- is just around the corner, and in many communities in the United States, families will be enjoying parades and outdoor fiestas to celebrate Mexican heritage. As with any holiday, food takes center stage, so I think this is the perfect time to inspire your family to make Mexican quesadillas together.

Quesadillas are like a sandwich filled with meat, cheese, herbs and hot chili peppers, if you dare! Customize your own quesadilla to suit your palate, and enjoy it with a side dish of your favorite salsa or guacamole.

For a family on the go, it's an ideal meal for supper or a simple, healthy energy boost in the afternoon when the kids get home from school. We like to prepare a large quesadilla and slice it in triangles for an impromptu appetizer/treat when the kids' friends unexpectedly stop by.

Assemble, bake in the oven or cook on a skillet or griddle, and in just minutes it's ready to serve.

I like this new bean-dip version for hearty and fresh-tasting quesadillas;

BEAN DIP QUESADILLAS

This bean dip is enough for about six quesadillas, and it can be made by blending the following ingredients in a blender or food processor.
1 15-ounce can black beans, drained
1/4 cup cream cheese
1/4 cup lemon juice
1 tablespoon cumin powder
1 teaspoon hot sauce
2 teaspoons prepared roasted garlic or 1 teaspoon powdered
garlic
1/4 teaspoon sea salt
1 tablespoon fresh cilantro (optional)
6 flour tortillas
Spread some of the bean dip mixture on half of a large flour tortilla. Top with the following ingredients according to taste:

Shredded Monterey Jack cheese; shredded cooked chicken; finely chopped green onions, diced and drained; canned green chile peppers; and chopped, seeded fresh tomato.

Carefully fold the tortilla in half.

Cook on a large skillet or griddle over medium heat for about 2 minutes on each side or until lightly browned.

Cut quesadillas in half or in thirds.

Serve with guacamole and salsa if you wish.

Tip: Oven method -- Preheat oven to 325 F. Prepare two or three quesadillas on a lightly greased cookie sheet. Bake until cheese is melted, about 10 minutes. Remove, slice and serve.

Donna Erickson's award-winning television series "Donna's Day" airs on public television nationwide. Visit www.donnasday. com to find out when it airs on your local PBS station and to sign up for Donna's e-newsletter.

(c) 2008 Donna Erickson Distributed by King Features Synd.