This post is brought to you in collaboration with the Latina Bloggers Connect and the California Milk Advisory Board. I have been compensated for this post but all opinions are my own.
I am very proud of my heritage and it is my goal to try and use more authentic ingredients to showcase my family roots. One way I did that this week was to use Cacique Ranchero Queso Fresco to make steak quesadillas. My mom used to make quesadillas for us all the time – before they were even known as quesadillas. Her version though included a tortilla and cheddar cheese. Boy when I was young that was the best thing to eat. Muy bueno.
I changed it up a bit for the family with this steak and cheese version of a quesadilla. This is the first time I’ve used Real California Cheese products but it definitely won’t be the last. In fact, we had these quesadillas twice in one week because they were so easy and tasty.
I know we like to think Texas is the best for everything but did you know that California is the country’s leading producer of Hispanic dairy products? They are the number one dairy state here in the US, producing more milk, butter and ice cream than any other state and is the 2nd largest producer of cheese. Milk, butter, and ice cream folks!! That’s reason enough to move to California.
California produces more than 25 varieties and styles of Hispanic-style cheeses bearing the Real California Cheese seal – and I’ve only tried two now so I’ve got some work to do! That Real California Cheese seal certifies they are natural cheeses made in California exclusively from California milk. Judging by the taste of the two varieties of cheeses I tried this week, I see a lot of cheese use in my dishes in the near future.
Using these dairy products is an easy way to elevate every day meals and add an authentic Hispanic touch to your dish. These quesadillas can be made with chicken and different types of Real California Cheese to kick it up a notch or two.
Be sure and follow Real California Cheese on Facebook for more recipes.
Queso Fresco and Steak Quesadillas
Ingredients:
2 c cooked steak strips (any kind will do – even the already made and just heat variety)
4 flour tortillas
2 c Cacique Ranchero Queso Fresco, Real California Cheese, grated
1/2 c fresh spinach leaves, cut into strips
1/4 c tomato, diced
Butter
Instructions:
If using frozen or refrigerated meat, heat according to package instructions.
Heat grill or grill pan.
Butter one side of the tortilla. Flip over and add a handful of cheese to half of the tortilla (you are going to fold over so just use half the tortilla). Add some meat, spinach and tomatoes. Top with more cheese and fold tortilla in half to cover ingredients.
Once grill is hot, add quesadillas to the grill or grill pan and let warm up. Flip over gently and cook until cheese melts.
Enjoy!
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