Low-Cal Quesadillas

Several weeks ago, I was watching The View and the Hungry Girl was a guest (it was a repeat, I think). She was promoting her new book (200 Under 200: 200 Recipes Under 200 Calories) and had several samples.

Only Elisabeth and Joy were present for that segment, and Joy really looked bored and unimpressed throughout the whole thing. When she got to sampling these Low-Cal Quesadillas, however, she was visibly, genuinely pleased. She kept raving about them and when Sherri and Whoopi snuck out to steal some samples, Joy sent them right to these quesadillas.

Now, I have HG's first book, and I used to subscribe to her daily emails. I grew kind of tired of her, though, and unsubscribed. I had no interest in her second book. After seeing this episode, though, I made a mental note to check out her site again, particularly the quesadillas.

Of course, I forgot.

Just last week, though, HG appeared on the Rachael Ray show. I jumped onto the computer and found the quesadillas and made them just a few days later.


These.were.amazing.

Seriously. Make them!

I admit I was skeptical about using fake meat, but they were just so freaken good that I don't care if it was dog food. Since making them the first time (just last week), I've made them several times, including when Brooke and Joe came for dinner. They are SO EASY and fast - they are a perfect lunch or dinner.

Ingredients

• 4 large low-carb tortillas
• 1-1/3 cup frozen ground-beef-style soy crumbles (like the ones by Boca and Morningstar Farms)
• 1 cup shredded fat-free cheddar cheese (I used garlic/herb)
• 2 wedges, The Laughing Cow Light Original Swiss cheese (I used garlic/herb)
• 1/4 cup fat-free sour cream
• 1 tbsp. chopped scallions
• 1 tsp. dry taco seasoning mix
• Optional: additional fat-free sour cream, for dipping

In a small microwave-safe bowl, combine soy crumbles, cheddar cheese, scallions, sour cream, and seasoning mix, stirring thoroughly. Microwave for 30 seconds, stir again, and set aside.

Lay tortillas flat and spread 1/2 cheese wedge evenly over one half of each tortilla. Top the cheesy tortilla half with soy crumble mixture and fold over.

Bring a medium-large pan sprayed with nonstick spray to medium heat, and lay quesadilla on it (or more, if they fit). Cook for about 1 minute, until slightly toasted on the bottom.

Flip and continue to cook for about 1 minute, until both sides are toasted. Remove from heat and cut into four triangles. Serve with sour cream or ketchup for dipping, if you like. Enjoy!