Simple Chicken Quesadillas & Cinco de Mayo Menu

   This past week has been pure craziness!  I finished my sewing projects; I am so proud of what I made.  When I made the final stitch, I felt a huge weight simply float away.  The decision to take a week off from blogging was not exactly intentional, but it was much needed.  Plus, Louis and I were all over Middle Tennessee taking care of things like my flower tattoo (which I really want to show you, but it is healing super fast and is in its flaky, peely stage) and his school registration.  We were barely in one place for more than 24 hrs. 

   But now I am back, and I have a new toy.  A charcoal smoker, oh yeah... be prepared.  Also, I have finally caught up on all of your lovely blogs.  I just spent an hour and half reading everything.  Let me say, you fashion bloggers... you make me feel so lazy right now.  You are out there finding, buying, and wearing some fabulous pieces.  I am sitting here with horribly unkempt hair and a Lord of the Rings t-shirt that I've had on since yesterday afternoon.

   We got home Saturday night, only to throw ourselves into hosting a mini-party for UFC 129.  The menu had been planned for about 2 weeks because we were really excited about the title fight between St. Pierre and Shields.  (Happy GSP won, but the fight could have been more exciting.  Whatever.)  It was something that I knew I could slap together in my sleep.  Then I realized that Cinco de Mayo is coming up and our fight night menu would be perfect for an easy, casual May 5th get together.

Easy, Festive Cinco de Mayo Menu

Simple Chicken Quesadillas

Veggies with Chipotle Sour Cream

Guacamole with Tortilla Chips

Salsa and Queso (good quality store-bought... it's ok!)

Dessert Fried Plantains (recipe tomorrow)

Margaritas, Sangria, and/or Mexican beer

Simple Chicken Quesadillas
2 chicken breasts
1 tsp chili powder
1 tsp cumin
1/8 tsp cayenne pepper
salt and pepper
12 6-inch flour tortillas
1 C shredded sharp cheddar
1 C shredded pepper jack (or monterrey jack)
3 large scallions, chopped (4-5 small scallions)

   Cut each chicken breast into 3 large slices (for faster cooking.)  Toss with chili powder, cumin, cayenne, salt and pepper.  Arrange in a single layer on a foil lined baking sheet.  Bake at 375 deg F for 10-12 minutes.  Let cool and chop into small chunks.  (The chili-lime seasoning would also be delicious for the chicken.)
   Build quesadillas with chicken, cheese, and scallions.  Cook in a non stick skillet over med/med-low heat until cheese is melted and tortillas are golden brown.  Keep warm on a baking sheet in a 250 deg F oven, if desired.
   Serves 6.  Serve with lime wedges, chopped cilantro and whatever sauce you like.