Shrimp Quesadilla with Avocado

1. In a large skillet, heat butter and oil over medium heat just until the butter melts; remove from heat.
2. Place each tortilla on a separate plate. Lightly brush a little of the butter-oil mixture onto both sides of the tortillas.
3. Add garlic and the diced chipotle pepper with seeds and juice to the skillet. When the garlic becomes fragrant, about one minute, add the shrimp to the skillet and cook until opaque and the shrimp starts to turn pink, one to two minutes. Stir in half the lime juice then transfer the shrimp and sauce to a small bowl; keep warm.
4. Slice half of the avocado and set aside. Coarsely mash the other half of the avocado with the remaining lime juice and adobo sauce; set aside.
5. On one half of each tortilla layer some of the cheese, shrimp in sauce, mashed avocado and the remaining cheese. Fold the other half of the tortillas over the fillings.
6. Carefully wipe out the skillet and heat to medium. If desired, add a little more butter or oil to the skillet. Place quesadillas in the skillet.
7. Cook on one side for two to minutes or until the cheese on the bottom is visibly melty. Flip the quesadillas over and continue to cook until the cheese is melted on the other side, one to three minutes longer. Reduce heat if the tortilla begins to char.
8. Place cooked quesadillas on a serving plate. Cut in half, thirds or quarters and top with the reserved avocado slices.

Variations:

1. Instead of the chipotle chile use roasted green chile salsa (Hatch Chile or other variety). Add 1 Tbsp. to the mashed avocado and 1 Tbsp. to the butter-oil mixture before adding the shrimp.
2. Try with cooked chicken, turkey or salmon instead of the shrimp.
3. For a vegetarian delight swap in sauteed mushrooms for the shrimp.

Serving Suggestion: Serve with a side salad or cold marinated vegetables for a main meal.

Beverage Pairing: A frosty margarita or cold beer

Recipe Editor’s Note: *You also can use frozen thawed uncooked shrimp or cooked shrimp in this quesadilla recipe. If using cooked shrimp, just barely warm them in the sauce so they do not overcook. If you like this recipe, check out these other shrimp and avocado recipes.