Makes 8 servings Lucky and talented Anna Ginsberg of Austin, Texas, competed in the Pillsbury Bake-Off twice and says one of the best parts was tasting the entries of all the competitors. “During my first Bake-Off in 2004, one contestant introduced me to a spice that became my new favorite—smoked paprika,” she says. “These days it is fairly common, but back then the ‘smoked’ type was a little more novel. I began using it in many dishes for entertaining, to introduce others to the taste. This chicken dish is one I created shortly after the Bake-Off.”
Ginsberg says these quesadillas can be used as an appetizer or an entrée. They’re right at home at a card or board game party. Offer a simple menu of vegetables and dip, quesadillas and sandwiches, and non-crumbly cookies—finger foods that free up guests’ hands to play. To carry on the game-night theme, place old game boards at the buffet and drink stations. To make the party festive, Ginsberg recommends Spanish red wine to match the sweet and smoky flavor of the Spanish paprika.
1 tablespoon butter
¼ cup regular or light sour cream
¼ cup regular or light mayonnaise
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
2 teaspoons honey
1 tablespoon chopped cilantro
8 (7-inch) flour tortillas
2 cups shredded sharp Cheddar cheese
2 cups chopped cooked chicken breast
Salsa for serving
Preheat the oven to 200 degrees. Grease a large skillet with the butter. In a small bowl, stir together the sour cream, mayonnaise, paprika, lime juice, honey, and cilantro.
Spread 1 tablespoon of the sour cream mixture on one half of each of the tortillas. Top with ¼ cup of the cheese and about ¼ cup of the chicken chunks. Fold the tortillas in half to make quesadillas, then place two or three (as many as you can fit) in the skillet.
Cook the quesadillas on the stove top over medium-high heat until hot and bubbly, about 2 minutes on each side. When the first few are done, set them on a baking sheet and keep them warm in the oven.
Slice each quesadilla into two wedges and serve with salsa on the side.
Makes 8 servings