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Juggling busy fall schedules and dwindling motivation to cook can make meal planning a daunting task. Actress Tiffani Thiessen offers a genius solution: embrace leftovers!
Inspired by Thiessen’s "ask-for-help" ethos and resourcefulness in the kitchen (as showcased in her cookbook, Here We Go Again), we’re diving into the world of delicious, convenient meal makeovers.
Take, for instance, her butternut squash quesadillas – a perfect example of transforming last night’s dinner into a delightful and nutritious new dish. This vegetarian-friendly dish highlights the nutritional powerhouse that is butternut squash, packed with fiber, vitamin A, and vitamin C.
We had the pleasure of watching Thiessen demonstrate these quesadillas at a Kraft Natural Cheese event in Chicago. She starts by whipping up a tangy lime-infused sour cream, a simple yet delightful garnish for the finished product.
Next, she creates a flavorful filling by broiling tomatoes, onion, garlic, and chipotle with oregano and cumin, then combines these spiced veggies with pre-cooked butternut squash and fresh cilantro. The mixture is generously layered onto tortillas along with shredded cheese, topped with another tortilla, and cooked to crispy perfection in a skillet.
Before serving, Thiessen adds a final touch of elegance with a drizzle of lime crema, bursts of pomegranate arils, and crunchy pumpkin seeds, elevating the dish to new levels of flavor and texture.
Thiessen emphasizes that leftovers are the key to her successful weeknight dinners. In her home, everyone pitches in – even her kids participate by preparing meals once a week!
Her advice for crafting these delectable quesadillas? Be creative and flexible:
- Use any veggie!: No butternut squash? Swap it for zucchini, broccoli, or Brussels sprouts.
Cheese it up!: While Thiessen prefers Kraft Signature Mexican Blend Shredded Cheese for its incredible "cheese pull," сюe encourages experimentation with other favorites like Gruyère or Monterey Jack.
- Top it off!: Boost the nutrition and flavor with toppings like avocado, cabbage, or diced tomatoes.
For a whole-grain boost, consider using whole-wheat tortillas, potentially even homemade!
Ultimately, Thiessen’s butternut squash quesadillas remind us that even with busy schedules, delicious and nutritious meals are always within reach. Whether you stick to the original recipe or add your personal touch, these quesadillas are sure to become a comforting fall favorite.
Title: Embracing Leftovers: A Delicious Conversation with Tiffani Thiessen
Interview Format:
Time.news Editor: Welcome to Time.news, where we bring you the latest insights and inspirations for modern living. Today, we’re excited to welcome actress and culinary enthusiast Tiffani Thiessen. Tiffani, thank you for joining us!
Tiffani Thiessen: Thank you for having me! I’m thrilled to be here and to talk about something I’m very passionate about—cooking and making it enjoyable for everyone, especially when life gets busy.
Editor: It’s that busy fall schedule, isn’t it? With everyone returning to school and work, meal planning can feel overwhelming. You’ve advocated for embracing leftovers in your cookbook, Here We Go Again. Can you tell us why leftovers are such a game-changer?
Tiffani Thiessen: Absolutely! Leftovers are not just a way to save time and reduce waste; they’re an opportunity to innovate in the kitchen. For example, last night’s roasted butternut squash can transform into delicious quesadillas for lunch the next day, making cooking feel less like a chore and more like an adventure.
Editor: I love that perspective! Your butternut squash quesadillas sound particularly enticing. What’s the secret to making them?
Tiffani Thiessen: The beauty of those quesadillas lies in the layering of flavors. I start with broiling tomatoes, onions, garlic, and chipotle spices, which creates a deliciously smoky and savory filling. Mixing in the pre-cooked butternut squash adds creaminess and nutrition—it’s packed with fiber and vitamins A and C. And let’s not forget a zesty lime-infused sour cream for that refreshing garnish!
Editor: That sounds divine! How do you suggest people can maintain their motivation to cook during those busier months?
Tiffani Thiessen: It’s all about making cooking fun and convenient. I encourage people to get creative with their leftovers and to involve family or friends in the process. Cooking can become a shared activity, which not only makes it less daunting but also brings people together. Plus, when you see how delicious the end result is, that motivation tends to come back!
Editor: Great advice! It must be refreshing to see the transformation of simple ingredients into a meal that excites the palate. Can you share a favorite leftover makeover from your own kitchen?
Tiffani Thiessen: Certainly! One of my go-to makeovers is turning roasted vegetables from dinner into a hearty frittata for breakfast. You blend the leftover veggies with eggs and herbs, bake them in a skillet, and you’ve got a nutritious, satisfying breakfast that’s easy to whip up. It’s quick, and it makes a great use of what you already have!
Editor: That’s fantastic! Lastly, what message do you hope readers take away from your culinary journey and your cookbook?
Tiffani Thiessen: I want readers to understand that cooking doesn’t need to be perfect or intimidating. It’s about using what you have, being resourceful, and enjoying the process. Embracing leftovers can elevate your cooking experience while reducing food waste. It’s all about joy in the kitchen!
Editor: Thank you so much for sharing your time and insights, Tiffani! Your passion for cooking and making mealtimes enjoyable is contagious.
Tiffani Thiessen: Thank you for having me! Happy cooking, everyone!
Editor: And thank you to our readers for tuning in! Remember, with a bit of creativity, cooking can become a delightful and rewarding part of your daily routine. Stay tuned for more inspiring interviews!