Welcome to our series sharing Food Holidays: September 25th, 2021. I wish I had knew today was National Quesadilla Day as I would have asked David to make use these for lunch. Or I could have made them for dinner but that is out as were having Bar B Que for dinner this evening. What about you?
National Quesadilla Day September 25th encourages us to pull a chair up to the table and eat Mexican food. While a Quesadilla is not a sandwich or a Taco, the Quesadilla satisfies snack cravings while also completing a meal. Quesadilla typically made with a Corn Tortilla and filled with Cheese, and Quesadillas are heated until the Cheese melts.
- Did you know the word, Quesadilla, in Spanish, literally means “little Cheesy thing.”
- It is said that one in three Americans make a Quesadilla every week. *
- In the Central and Southern regions of Mexico, a Quesadilla is a flat circle of cooked Corn Masa, called a Tortilla, warmed to soften enough to be folded in half, and then filled.
- While 66% of people use two Tortillas when they make Quesadillas, the traditional Mexican method requires folding one Tortilla in half.
- In culinary terms, a Quesadilla, is a Tortilla that is filled with Cheese, other toppings, then grilled or pan fried.
Recipe for a Ground Beef and Bean Quesadilla
- 3/4 pound Ground Beef
- 1/2 cup Refried Beans ( If you do not care for Refried Beans leave them out)
- 1 can (4 ounces) Chopped Green Chilies, drained (again you do not have to use these)
- 1/2 teaspoon dried Oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon ground Cumin In place of the Seasonings in our home we use Old El Paso Taco Seasoning.
- 1/4 teaspoon Salt
- 4 Flour Tortillas (8 inches) or you can use Corn if you prefer
- 2 tablespoons Butter, melted
- 1-1/3 cups shredded Kraft Mexican Cheese blend or your favorite Cheese and brand
- Paprika
Directions
- In a large skillet, cook the Ground Beef over medium heat until no longer pink; drain. Stir in the Beans, Chilies if you choose to use them, Oregano, Cumin and Salt. (Remember we use Taco Seasoning made like the package says and omit the spices.) Cook over medium-low heat for 3-4 minutes or until heated through.
- Brush one side of each Tortilla with Butter. Spoon 1/2 cup of the Ground Meat mixture over half of the Unbuttered side of the Tortilla. Sprinkle with 1/3 cup Cheese; fold in half.
- Place on a lightly greased baking sheet. Sprinkle with Paprika. Bake at 475° for 10 minutes or until crisp and golden brown. Cut into wedges. We cook ours on the Stove in a Frying Pan but the Oven is healthier.
National Food Service Workers Day
National Food Service Employee Day celebrated is September 25
This Holiday is for appreciating all the hard working food service employees at our favorite restaurants nationwide. Did you know that food service is the second largest industry in the Nation? Many people day in and out help serve everything from our morning Coffee to our evening take out. Take time to say thanks to the food service employees who wake up early or stay up late to serve us.
How to celebrate: The food industry nets $799 billion in sales each year. Yet, sometimes waiters go under tipped, making it hard to sustain a livable income. But, you can be a positive influence in this area! Next time you go out to eat, be sure to tip 15% or more on your bill. Still want to do more?
Here are a few other ideas:
- Tip more if possible!
- Write a thank you note.
- Buy them a meal!
Thank you,
Glenda, Charlie and David Cates
