SPINACH, MUSHROOM AND CHICKEN QUESADILLAS

Servings: 4

1 cup (250 mL) shredded sharp cheddar 1 cup (250 mL) shredded Monterey Jack 2 tbsp (30 mL) unsalted butter, divided 8 oz (226 g) sliced mushrooms, any kind, or a mix 1/2 tsp (2.5 mL) minced garlic 1 cup (250 mL) roughly chopped spinach Kosher or coarse salt and freshly ground pepper to taste 8 8-inch (20-cm) flour tortillas 1 cup (250 mL) shredded cooked chicken 1/4 cup (60 mL) chopped pitted black olives (optional) Sour cream and salsa to serve

1. Combine the two cheeses in a small bowl.

2. Heat 2 teaspoons (10 mL) of the butter in a skillet with a cover over medium heat. When the butter has melted, add the mushrooms and sauté for about 8 minutes.

3. The mushrooms will soften and probably release some liquid as they cook. Continue cooking until all of the liquid has been released, and evaporated, and the mushrooms start to brown a bit.

4. Add the minced garlic and stir for 30 seconds. Add the spinach, season with salt and pepper, and sauté for two minutes until the spinach has wilted. Turn the vegetables onto a plate and set aside.

5. Wipe out the skillet, then return it to medium heat and add a half teaspoon (2.5 mL) of butter. Place a tortilla in the pan and cook for 30 seconds, then flip the tortilla.

6. Sprinkle 2 tablespoons (30 mL) of the cheese mixture over half of the quesadilla, and distribute about 1/8 (a couple of tablespoons/30 mL) of both the sauteed vegetable mixture and the shredded chicken over the cheese, as well as some of the chopped olives, if desired.

7. Top that with another 2 tablespoons (30 mL) of the shredded cheese. Flip the bare half of the tortilla over the filling, cover the pan, and sauté for about 2 minutes, until the bottom is golden and the cheese has started to melt, then use a spatula to flip the half-moon quesadilla, and continue to cook, uncovered, until all of the cheese is melted and the underside is browned, 2 to 3 minutes.

8. Remove the quesadilla to a cutting board and let it sit for a minute before you slice into two or three wedges. Repeat until all of the quesadillas are cooked. Serve with salsa and sour cream.