Jack o lantern Quesadilla – pumpkin wraps

There is one little cutie pie that has recently infiltrated my mum factor. In fact, she just took over my aunt factor. So, I rethink my food to see if it will generate the toddler interest in too. This jack o lantern quesadilla is a result of that thought.

This Jack o lantern  quesadilla.

As you can evidently see from the images, it is the carved pumpkin-like cuts that make this quesadilla fun for all ages.
You need to make these cuts on one tortilla before you start. The base tortilla is the regular round one on which you layer the stuffing. Then use the cut out tortilla with the jack-o-lantern faces on top
To make the faces, you need two small triangles, cut for the eyes and one for the nose.  Plan a crescent shape with a couple of teeth for the mouth. You can also draw them on paper and place them on the Tortilla to cut. I have just used a regular knife to achieve this simple idea.
You can choose to just have it cut like a regular quesadilla sandwich too, but we had to have fun with the upcoming Halloween. 

Recipe tips to make this pumpkin quesadilla perfect.

Use the roasted pumpkin puree for the best and tastiest result. Here is how to make it – Pumpkin puree

Don’t overstuff, the pumpkin stuffing can be a bit wet on the Tortilla. So, a tried and tested method will be not to overstuff it.
Use two turners to flip the quesadilla the filling in the quesadilla is slippery. My trick is to use two turners for the larger ones.
Be generous with the cheese is the ingredient that holds the wrap together and provides a great deal of flavour. Quesadillas do not work without the cheese. So be generous.

Variations to the pumpkin wraps 

Spinach-  you can add a layer of green before you add the pumpkin stuffing. These quesadillas are best had immediately.
Masala –of course, you can make a masala version if you are cooking khattameeta kaddu or pumpkin masala. Best are the leftover sabzis as a breakfast quesadilla
Beans- sneak in some cooked blackheads or kidney beans to the pumpkin mash so that the quesadilla is much more balanced.

Mushrooms- The combination of pumpkin and mushroom is lovely. Mushroom adds the bite that the pumpkin mash misses. 

Serving with some sides add a good variety to the pumpkin wrap

Pico de Gallo- a simple mixes salad style pico de gallo adds so much freshness to the platter.
Salsa if you like a dip, I use a quick blender style salsa.
Refried beans add up to the protein with some refried beans.

Feeding a toddler is no joke.

Hope some of these tips are useful for you. I am just penning them down as I relive a few moments of toddler energy (or tantrums).

• As you would be offering a great variety of flavours and textures, remember to eat them enjoyably yourself. This shows the young minds to mimic and follow.
• Let them get their hands in the process. So give them the cooled pumpkin roasted and mix with the filling. They will love this experience.
• It is natural for children to refuse certain tastes as they find them very strong.
  (Remember they have a stronger tastebud presence than adult ones). Don’t worry and never give up. Offer again after a couple of weeks. They may love it.
• Make these moments as easy as you can for yourself as they sense your tense moments easily.

With a couple of ideas here, hope one of it comes in handy for you
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