Recently, my older son opened the fridge, and proclaimed in an undertaker-type tone, there was nothing to eat. Baked sweet potatoes nestled inside a glass casserole pan, cherries played peek-a-boo between the remaining ham slices, and the jello mold jiggled a half-hearted greeting under the dim light of the refrigerator bulb; but, there was no food, not in my son's mind.
I knew better than to offer the above named tasties--my family threatened to mutiny the next time I put post-Christmas fare on the table .
Instead, I found cheeses, peppers, onions, tortillas, and created a enchilada recipe my family welcomed as a new star to our dinner table.
I've included the recipe below. I hope your families enjoy it as much as mine did.
Ooey, Gooey Three Cheese Enchiladas
created by Debbie Roppolo
Prep time: 30 minutes Cooking time: 20-30 minutes
Serves 4
Sauce:
2 garlic cloves (minced)
2 (8 oz) cans tomato sauce
1 (6 oz) can tomato paste
1 1/2 cups water
2 chicken bullion cubes (crushed)
1 tablespoon chipotle powder
1 1/2 teaspoon oregano
1 (single serving) packet Splenda (use half)
Enchiladas
1 2/3 cups mini sweet peppers (seeded and chopped) **See picture below
1 medium onion (chopped)
2 ounces cream cheese (softened)
1 cup colby jack (shredded)
1 cup sharp cheddar (shredded)
1 cup mozzarella (shredded)
1/2 cup sour cream
1 tablespoon parsley
1/2 teaspoon salt
8 (6 inch) wheat tortillas
1/2 cup cheddar cheese (for garnish)3 green onions (chopped) for garnish
Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Sauce:
- In a medium saucepan, saute garlic over medium heat for 1 minute.
- Add tomato sauce, tomato paste and water. Stir constantly until paste has melted and blended with the tomato sauce. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Add crushed bullion, chipotle powder, and oregano.
- Reduce heat. Add sweetener and simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly.
- In a large skillet, saute onions and peppers until onions are translucent. Remove from heat and cool slightly.
- In a large bowl, combine cream cheese, sour cream, cheeses, onion, parsley, peppers, and salt.
- Place 1 cup sauce on the bottom of a 13x9 dish.
- Wrap the tortillas in dampened paper towels and microwave on high for approximately 10 seconds, (depending on oven wattage) or until tortillas are warm and pliable.
- Spoon 1/2 cup of cheese mixture into each of the 8 tortillas, roll, and place seam side down in dish.
- Pour 1 cup of sauce (you'll have some left over) over tortillas.
- Sprinkle remaining 1/2 cup cheese over the top of the enchiladas.
- Bake for 20-30 minutes or until cheese has melted inside tortillas. Remove from heat and garnish with chopped green onion.