One not-so-great thing about moving out to the sticks is the lack of decent places to eat. There are a couple of mediocre places in our little village and some pubs on the outskirts (Emberton’s Bell and Bear needs a special mention here for being brilliant) but if you want a decent feeding you really need to travel. We’re huge fans of The Plough at Bolnhurst on the other side of Bedford which is pretty Shoreditch House-esque but our nearest city, Milton Keynes, only has chain restaurants. These are fine for my and Elfie’s lunchdates but when we want to go out as a family it’s sometimes nicer to go a bit fancy.
This weekend we tried Giraffe for the second time since we moved here. I don’t know if it’s me, but I can’t seem to get on with the place. The first time we spent £60 on a meal that was average at best (I had a burger) so this time I went a bit out there and ordered a quesadilla. It was delicious but I spent the whole time thinking how I could make it tastier and for a whole lot less than £8.95.
I did enjoy them though, so as soon as I started feeling shitty yesterday I decided to make some comfort food in the form of quesadillas. They were very very easy, super satisfying and Elfie enjoyed them too. An all-round hit.
This was Elfie’s mini version – apologies for the quality of the following photo, my camera died on me and I had to resort to the iPhone.
- 1 Red Onion
- 1 Red Pepper
- 50g Cheddar
- Half tin kidney beans
- BBQ sauce
- 2 Chicken breasts
- 4 white tortilla wraps
- Drizzle the chicken breasts with olive oil and roast for about 12 minutes, or until the juices run clear. Shred into small pieces.
- Slice the red onion and chop the red pepper; put in a frying pan with some olive oil and cook on a low heat until softened. Remove from the pan.
- Crush the kidney beans with a fork.
- Put a little bit of oil in the pan and add one of the tortilla wraps. Layer a drizzle of BBQ sauce, sprinkle of cheddar, the onion and pepper mix, kidney beans and chicken breast on top of the wrap. Place another wrap on top and cook on a low heat until crispy. Flip and cook on the other side.
- Chop into quarters and serve with a really easy guacamole (1 x avocado, pinch sea salt and the juice of half a lime mashed together) and sour cream. YUM
OMG. Want. Some. Now.
They were SO good!
Woohoo! I was stuck for inspiration about what to make for dinner tonight. Now I’m sorted, thank you!
Let me know how they go!
I made it last night and it was unbelievably good! The biggest surprise was that barbeque sauce (I normally hate that stuff), but the Newman’s Own one is really, really good. Definitely gave things a kick.
To top things off, boyfriend encouraged me to treat myself to a cappuccino today as a “reward” for the amazing dinner last night. This is notable because it’s his cash in my wallet and he hates spending money. High praise indeed!
I’m so glad! The bbq sauce is good, isn’t it? I bought it because it was the only one they sell in our teeny local Tescos but will definitely be buying again.
I will also definitely be showing my husband this comment in the hope he asks me to buy myself something nice… ;)
Definitely trying these! Anything quick and of the Mexican variety, not forgetting tortilla based is a hit in this house!x
I’ve made these before but they didn’t look half as pretty as yours! Mouth watering…
x
I looooooove quesadillas.
I’m glad its not just me who doesn’t have any luck with Giraffe. Constantly getting orders wrong, kinda over priced for what it is and lame service – everyone else seems to rave about it but I’m wondering if they’ve got a vendetta against me!
Same! I don’t think we’ll bother in the future, there is nothing worse than spending a decent chunk of money and not really feeling satisfied with the food you get.
I am SO making these this week. Also I know its a different blogpost but I lived in leggings and stripey tops when I was preggers! x
And I read the other day that stripey tops are a no-no when pregnant! Total rubbish! x
Ohh this would be perfect for summer time. I will definitely add this to my list. Love a good filled quesadilla!!