One of the best food creations in the world has to be the tortilla. Just about every culture has its own version, but I'm most familiar with the corn and wheat varieties that you'll find on any grocery store shelf.

Bread may make a mean French Toast, but tortillas will do so many other things! And the best part is that you can make your tortilla meals as large or as small as you like. And when you don't have a large family, you really don't need lots of leftovers.

Quesadillas are the Spanish translation of cheese sandwich. Fold a tortilla in half, fill with shredded cheese, grill….and you're set! Add a few extra add-ins and you can have a really satisfying meal. Leftover chicken, beef or shimp? Peppers and onion? You name it, and it can go inside the quesadilla.

But what about a fun dessert? Layer tortillas with whipped topping. Make the layers at least eight tortillas high. Wrap in plastic and chill overnight. Somehow, magically, the tortillas and Cool Whip combine and turn themselves into—I promise you—something just  like a creamy layer cake. Cut into wedges, dust with a little cocoa powder, and you're ready to wow your friends! And once again, because it's only the size of a tortilla, this dessert is perfect for one or two people.

Published 09/18/09