I'm often asked, now that it's been a couple of years, whether or not I'm glad I moved to California. I go through my now well-rehearsed spiel that while I miss my family in Illinois, California is pretty amazing (and hopefully stays amazing, we need rain!) I list off all the places that one can easily travel to within a 2 hour radius of Sacramento. I mention that we have farmers' markets nearly every day of the week and some of those are year-round. And I usually end with the fact that there are many great people do amazing things in food here in Sacramento.
Last week I had the opportunity to get out of the house and volunteer for a few hours (first time since Mack was born!) The event was a Food Literacy Center program at their newest school added this year. Chefs from a few local restaurants came with prepared dishes, all in the name of getting kids excited about produce (and to help pick the veggie of the year.) It's always a boost when you witness a kid try fresh produce and fall in love (it also helped that the chefs brought in some amazing samples to try!) It was also a great way to kick of Food Literacy Month here in California!
What vegetable did the kids pick as vegetable of the year? The Bell Pepper! So in honor of the bell pepper being named the veggie of the year, I whipped up these breakfast quesadillas loaded with a rainbow selection of bell peppers.
Also, if you want to know more about the Food Literacy Center: Pop over to their website to check out events, learn more about food literacy, and donate. Or if you want to see what all the fun was about, check out the photos from the school program on Food Literacy's facebook.
I kept these breakfast quesadillas simple but the variations are endless. The gremolata is my go-to addition to most quesadillas ever since making these chipotle sweet potato quesadillas. It's easy to whip up and adds quite a bit of flavor. And while I love all the colors of the peppers, feel free to use only one or two different kinds (but any leftovers can always be used for vegetable fajitas!)
More Vegetables: When in doubt, you can always add more vegetables. Saute zucchini, mushrooms, winter squash, and even greens. I kept this basic to highlight the pepper but feel free to go wild with vegetables.
Hummus: Either in place of the egg or with the egg, try mixing the cilantro gremolata with a couple tablespoons of hummus and smearing it on the tortilla before topping it with the cheese. A great way to add an extra bump in protein.
Sausage/Beans: Got a killer vegetarian/vegan sausage? It would work perfectly here. Or, I've also been known to toss a few black beans into the mixture as well. I like to really amp up my protein amounts in the morning.
+ Eggs: if it's easier, you can crack both eggs into the skillet at once. Or, you could even make this with scrambled eggs instead.
I would have never have thought to have bell peppers for breakfast but this looks incredible! Loving your book so far thank you for sharing 🙂 much love x
Yummy in my tummy!!
Love quesadillas and this looks like a pretty easy to follow yet yummy dish. Thanks!
so simple and delicious!! simple things are the best 😀
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Looks amazing. Yum.
That sounds like a fantastic event. I don't love bell peppers, but I'm always looking for ways to try foods in different ways. This looks quick and tasty, and I love the colors.
Yes to quesadillas! What a great, quick breakfast. I love all the different colors of bell pepper too.
The Quesadillas recipes are perfect in all moments of the day. Is verry simple make it and are so tasty. Thanks for share.