Tortilla Pizza And Centerpiece Of The Month
When it comes to tortillas, I prefer them made with corn. But, a local company here in my area makes a thick flour tortilla that's good for making quesadillas or pan grilled "pizza." I often turn to these tortillas when I'm not in the mood to think very much about making dinner. What would life be like without tortillas? A lot more stressful, in my opinion. On Sunday, I cooked these tortillas in a heavy skillet with Jack cheese, caramelized onions, roasted asparagus, and some fava beans braised in a bit of cream. Very simple, and a great way to use up odds and ends from the fridge. While it was a thrown together meal, it was delicious.
As I made the meal, Carrie The Cow watched and silently asked when I would submit her picture for this month's Centerpiece Of The Month created by the lovely Janelle at Talk Of Tomatoes. Carrie is actually a very cute watering can, but she also does double duty as a vase for flowers. These are from my garden, and help Carrie feel like a Happy California Cow.
As for the tortilla pizza, my way is to use a heavy, oil-free skillet heated until it's hot. I cook one side of the tortilla for about a minute or two, then flip it over and put cheese on top. I also added some left-over caramelized onions and cooked it over medium high heat until the cheese had melted.
You can cover the pan to speed it along. When the cheese has melted and the bottom of the tortilla has started to brown a little, add toppings of your choice. I used roasted asparagus and cream braised fava beans. It was quite delicious. I made one for Bob and then another for me. Then I said a prayer of thanks to the person who invented tortillas.
Oh I love her! Carrie the watering can is adorable. Love the red flowers too.
Totally agree with you about tortilla pizza. I'm very much getting into the whole quesadilla/pizza thing with them. Would love to taste the fava beans!
Posted by: Glenna | April 30, 2007 at 08:11 PM
OMG, that looks sooooo tasty! I never thought of doing pizza like this! I almost always have tortillas and cheese lying about, how totally frickin shibby!
Posted by: Garrett | April 30, 2007 at 08:24 PM
Wonderful way to use little amounts of left overs. Not ever seen a tortilla just like that one, looks very good. Great pizza!
Carrie is fab.
Posted by: Tanna | May 01, 2007 at 03:57 AM
Yum. Thay tortilla pizza looks delicious. And such a cool way to make pizza. Love Carrie too!
Posted by: kristi | May 01, 2007 at 05:32 AM
Carrie is so cute. Your cake for "daring Bakers" was simply oooh la la
Posted by: sandeepa | May 01, 2007 at 06:54 AM
Carrie is so cute. Your cake for "daring Bakers" was simply oooh la la
Posted by: sandeepa | May 01, 2007 at 06:55 AM
oooh that tortilla pizza looks fantastic. and miss carrie is a cute as can beeee!
Posted by: aria | May 01, 2007 at 08:28 AM
OK - what is the name of the tortilla company? I'd love to find tortilla's like that. I've had them in New Mexico once but have yet to find anything else close.
Posted by: Kristen | May 01, 2007 at 01:04 PM
Oh I remember those wonderful hand made thick tortillas. These are first rate esp with the cream braised favas. And how can I forget Carrie the Cow, she's first rate too.
Posted by: Callipygia | May 01, 2007 at 01:14 PM
That is the cutest vase I have ever seen! I love your centerpiece! Too cute!
Posted by: Jennifer | May 01, 2007 at 01:38 PM
such a simple yet delish 'pizza', if Carrie doesn't walk to your kitchen to beg, I will!
Posted by: gattina | May 01, 2007 at 07:17 PM
What a cute cow centerpiece! Very spring.
Posted by: Elle | May 01, 2007 at 07:52 PM
Jeez, girl! That tortilla looks just awesome!! Love Carrie's look.
Posted by: Christine | May 01, 2007 at 08:13 PM
I never thought of using tortillas like that!
What a wonderful idea!
I bought some favas the other day - thanks for your tips on peeling, it was a snap to get them ready!
Cute cow!
Posted by: Katie | May 01, 2007 at 11:49 PM
What a cute little cow! love her. As for the tortilla, loved to see the beans (thought they were broad beans at first) and the asparagus. So spring like! Talk about being seasonal.; o )
Posted by: valentina | May 02, 2007 at 12:06 PM
Having grown up in a small Mexican town (near Davis) there was no pizza joints in my day. The next best thing was a flour tortilla and I would create little master pieces for my friends and family. I would use that quick pizza sauce in a jar, add the usual toppings, but the trick was to get the tortilla crispy. Olive oil--a cook's best friend. Happy to see your post, and yes, your cow is too cute! All the best, Laurel
Posted by: Laurel | May 03, 2007 at 04:57 AM
Love your centerpiece this month... it was very Moo-ving.
Mine didn't seem to make the cut~ I will have to be very clever next month.
Posted by: sandi @ the whistlestop cafe | May 07, 2007 at 09:13 PM