Arizona Cheese Crisps

Arizona cheese crisps or simply cheese crisps is a tortilla based dish and is said to be have been made famous by a cafe in Tuscon, Arizona. These open faced flour tortillas are buttered and toasted in an oven until crisp. They are then sprinkled with cheese and again toasted until the cheese melts. Cheese is not piled up high like in a pizza in the case of cheese crisps and they can be optionally topped with onions, scallions, cilantro, peppers or chorizo in case of a non-vegetarian version. As the name suggests these were crispy, cheesy and utterly delicious.

Ingredients:
2 tortillas (I used 8 inch whole wheat ones.)
2 tsp. butter
1/2 to 2/3 cup shredded cheddar cheese / Mexican blend cheese
(I used Cheddar cheese on one and a blend of Monterey Jack, Cheddar, Asadero and Queso Quesadilla cheese on the second tortilla.)
1 tsp. oil
1 mild green pepper like poblano / anaheim (optional)

Method:
* Preheat the oven to 350 deg F.
* If using the green pepper, slice into thin strips. Heat oil on medium heat and saute the pepper slices until the skin starts to blister.  Remove from heat and keep it aside.
* Place the tortillas on a baking sheet and spread 1 tsp. butter over each of the tortilla and place it in the oven. 
 
* Toast for about 8 - 10 minutes or until the edges start to turn golden brown / crispier.
 
* Remove the tortillas from the oven and sprinkle cheese over the tortillas, leaving about 1/4 inch around the edges. Arrange the toasted green pepper strips if using (or it can be sprinkled before serving.) 
 
* Return the tortillas to the oven and toast until the cheese melts, about 2 -3 minutes.
* Remove and serve immediately.

This is my entry under "Tortilla based dishes" for BM #53. Check the blogging marathon page to see what my fellow marathoners are cooking today.

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