Photo courtesy of wholefoodsmarket.com

- Mary Alice

Ring in 2012 with new, easy-to-prepare meals from the Cooking department. Each week, I will feature a complete dinner idea along with recipes and everything you need to prepare it. Cut out the time spent debating over what to prepare for dinner and drop by the Cooking desk for a plan crafted by yours truly.

This Week's Menu (available from March 15 - 21):

Chicken or Steak Quesadillas

Serves 4

4 (8-inch) whole wheat tortillas
1/4 pound thinly sliced cooked steak OR 1 grilled chicken breast, sliced into strips
1/2 cup shredded cheddar
1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack
Salsa, to garnish
Sour cream, to garnish 

1. Warm a heavy skillet over medium-high heat. Place one tortilla in the skillet and top with half of the steak or chicken, half of the cheddar cheese and half of the Monterey Jack cheese. Press another tortilla on top.
2. Cook 2 to 3 minutes, then carefully flip the quesadilla to brown the other side for another minute or two. Remove to a plate and repeat with remaining steak (or chicken), cheese, and tortillas. Cut quesadillas into wedges and serve with salsa and sour cream.

On the Side:

• Serve with our bulk refried bean mix and a spinach salad tossed with 365 Buttermilk Ranch Dressing.

I'll be available from 12:00 pm to 6:00 pm from Thursday through Sunday of this week. Stop by for cooking advice!