Quick Bean 'n' Cheese Enchiladas

By Hklbrries

"A Five and Fifteen Recipe - shop in five minutes, cook in fifteen. During times of great personal upheaval we may find that we have lost interest in doing those things that previously gave us pleasure. This can include our passion for cooking and even eating.

Talk to someone in the midst of a crisis and they may not remember what they ate for lunch that day, never mind what they cooked for dinner the night before.

When we are in survival mode and our world seems turned upside down, our energies are directed differently. Making a simple salad seems like a lot to do. It is easier to open a can of chili or use a few simple ingredients for a quick meal of enchiladas.

If we listen to our instincts during times of trial, however, we realize that our interests and appetite fade for only a short period of time. Just as the seasons of the year bring change, as our beautiful fall has shown us, so the seasons of our heart can bring us to a different place, too.

The rhythms associated with menial kitchen tasks can put you in touch with your own rhythms. Turn on soothing warm water to rinse the dishes, methodically wash off the counters or take out the garbage and you find comfort in a simple purpose that connects you with yourself.

That connection helps you find your place in the world. You will once again find pleasure in layering noodles for lasagna, chopping vegetables for a casserole or stirring the chocolate chips into the cookie dough. You will enjoy the cup of chicken soup, dish of tapioca pudding and plate of piping hot cinnamon rolls.

With time you will breathe more easily, accept the new beginnings in your life and realize the gifts it has brought you.

But for now, it's a simple dinner of chili or a meal of easy enchiladas."

Merri Lou Dobler

Ingredients

• 1 (15 ounce) can pinto or red beans, drained
• 2 1/2 cups picante sauce or salsa, divided
• 8 corn tortillas, heated to soften
• 8 ounces fat-free Cheddar cheese, divided
• Lettuce, optional
• Fat-free sour cream, optional

Details

Servings 4

Preparation

Step 1

Preheat oven to 375 F.

Mash the beans with 1/2 cup salsa or picante sauce. Spoon beans down center of each tortilla, dividing evenly. Using half of the cheese, sprinkle over beans on each tortilla. Roll tortilla to enclose cheese and beans. Place, seam-side down, in greased shallow baking dish. Pour remaining sauce over all and sprinkle with remaining cheese.

Bake for 15 minutes. Garnish with optional ingredients if desired.