Being from Wisconsin, I love cheese. My kids love cheese, and pretty much everyone I have ever met loves cheese. Sure, I have met possibly one, or three people who do not like cheese, and I am certain I questioned that in my head, but I quickly got past that thought, and realized that cheese is great.
Cheese goes great with most anything. A cheese and cracker, a cube of cheese with wine, warm cheese with fruit, a grilled cheese, and I could continue on and on with why cheese is so awesome.
There is one simple appetizer that I have always loved. A crisp tortilla with baked cheese, and for me, a little topping of thinly sliced jalapeno peppers. I am not sure what it is about this snack, or meal, if you will, but the great textures of the cheese and tortilla, with a subtle heat of the pepper, really makes this a top favorite dish.
Many people like to fry the large flour tortilla, but I prefer to place mine in a preheated oven to achieve the same crispiness, plus it is a bit more healthy.
Ingredients:
- Large flour tortillas
- Mixed shredded cheeses (cheddar, monterey jack)
- Toppings, optional (sliced jalapeno or serrano peppers, onions, cilantro)
Two to three ingredients. How simple is that? Begin by preheating your oven to 375 degrees. Place a large tortilla on the oven rack, and cook in the oven for about 5 minutes, or until it becomes golden. Once you have reached that state, remove the tortilla from the oven, and place about 3/4 cup of the mixed cheese onto the top of the tortilla. Place back in the oven, and cook until the cheese is completely melted. If you want, place under the broiler for about one minute until it gets really nice and bubbly.
Remove the tortilla from the oven, and add a few optional ingredients. In my case, jalapeno slices, as I love that cheese and pepper combination. Enjoy.