Shrimp and Cilantro Pesto Quesadilla

Ingredients

• 4 large shrimp, shelled and deveined
• Salt and freshly ground pepper
• 2 tablespoons olive oil, plus 1 tablespoon
• 3 (6-inch) tortillas or 8-inch tortillas cut to size
• 1/4 cup grated Monterey Jack
• 1/4 cup grated white cheddar
• 3 tablespoons Cilantro Pesto, recipe follows
• 1 teaspoon ancho chile powder
• 2 teaspoons sour cream, or to taste

Directions

Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F.

Season the shrimp with salt and pepper, to taste. In a small skillet over medium heat, heat 2 tablespoons of the olive oil and saute the shrimp for 1 1/2 minutes on each side. Reserve for garnish.

Place 2 tortillas on an ungreased baking sheet, sprinkle half the cheeses and 1 1/2 tablespoons pesto on each, and season, to taste, with salt and pepper. Stack the 2 layers and cover with the remaining tortilla. Brush with 1 tablespoon oil and sprinkle evenly with ancho chile powder. May be prepared 1 day ahead up to this point and refrigerated. Bake for 8 to 12 minutes or until the tortillas are slightly crisp and the cheese has melted.

Cut into quarters and serve hot, garnished with the shrimp, more pesto, and sour cream.

Cilantro Pesto:

• 2 cups firmly packed cilantro leaves
• 2 cloves garlic
• 2 tablespoons pumpkin seeds
• 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 5 tablespoons olive oil

In a food processor, combine cilantro, garlic, pumpkinseeds, lime juice, salt and pepper. With the motor running, slowly add the olive oil until sauce is emulsified. May be prepared up to 2 days ahead, covered, and refrigerated. Bring to room temperature 1 hour before serving.

Yield: 1 cup