For a quick Mexican "fix" there is nothing quite so good as these cheesy quesadillas.

If you love Mexican appetizers you are sure to love this quesadilla recipe.

Prep time: 10 minutes

Cook time: 20 minutes

Ingredients:
4 large flour tortillas
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
4 green chilies, finely chopped
1/2 cup diced tomatoes
Salt and Pepper to taste

Directions:
Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large frying pan over a medium heat.

Add one tortilla and sprinkle it with half the cheese, half the tomatoes and half the chilies. Add salt and pepper to taste.

Place another tortilla on top and press it down gently to seal the tortillas together. Cook the tortilla sandwich for about five minutes, turning once half way through the cooking time.

Check that the cheese has melted and transfer the quesadilla to a cutting board.

Repeat the process with the next tortilla.

Cut the quesadillas into wedges and serve immediately with chunky salsa, sour cream and guacamole.

Serves 4 as a main course or 8 to 10 as an appetizer.

• If you like it really hot, sprinkle a little hot sauce over the inside of the quesadilla before you add the second tortilla.
• Adding chopped sweet peppers and finely chopped onion doesn't add heat but does add flavor and nutrition.
• Here's another variation - slice the avocado and add the slices to the filling.
• For real heat chop 1 or 2 jalapeno peppers and add them to the top of the quesadilla before serving.
• I serve this recipe with sour cream. It is a cool contrast to the rest of the ingredients and cuts the heat nicely.
• For a lower fat version, use non-fat spray to fry the tortillas or bake them in the oven at 350-375ºF until they are browned and the cheese is melted.
• This is a vegetarian recipe. Add thinly sliced cooked chicken or cooked ground beef that has been seasoned with taco seasoning for a meat version.

This recipe comes from Helen Burroughs, who has a delightful recipe site. Have a look at her easy party appetizers.