Sweet Potato Quesadillas

© "So Easy, So Delicious"
 
2 T canola or olive oil
2 medium onions, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
4 C sweet potato or yams, peeled and grated
3/4 tsp oregano
1 tsp chili powder
2½ tsp cumin
Pinch cayenne pepper, or to taste
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 C sharp Cheddar cheese, grated
(10) 8" to 10" tortillas
Salsa, for garnish

Heat oil in fry pan and sauté onions and garlic until onions are translucent. Add sweet potatoes, oregano, chili powder, cumin and cayenne. Cook, covered, for about 10 minutes, stirring often. When potato is tender, add salt and pepper and more cayenne, if desired. Cool mixture for a few minutes. Heat tortillas in a lightly oiled fry pan. Spread one-tenth of filling onto half of each tortilla. Sprinkle with 2 tablespoons of cheese. Fold plain half of tortilla over the filling and cook on each side for about 2 to 3 minutes, or until filling is hot and cheese begins to melt. Garnish with salsa.

Yield: 10 quesadillas

Hint: Keep quesadillas warm in a 250° oven until ready to serve.

Chicken and Barley Stew

© "So Easy, So Delicious"
 
6 C chicken broth or bouillon
3/4 C barley
1 lb carrots, peeled and cut into 2" slices
3 stalks celery, cut into 1" slices
1 large onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp thyme
1/8 to 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
1 red pepper, cut into 1" cubes
1 lb boneless and skinless chicken breast, cut into 2" chunks
2 Granny Smith, Cortland or Delicious apples, peeled and cut into 1" chunks
Salt and pepper, to taste

Combine broth, barley, carrots, celery, onion, garlic, thyme and red pepper flakes. Bring to a boil, lower heat and cover. Simmer for 12 minutes. Stir in red pepper. Cover and simmer for 6 minutes. Add chicken and apples and cook for 6 to 8 minutes, or until chicken is cooked and barley is tender. Season with salt and pepper.

Hint: This is a healthy 1-dish meal. Baby carrots, cut in half, can be substituted for the carrot slices.