Kathy's Quesadilla/Taco All-in-One Meal

If you want to know what I eat most of the time that I'm home alone, here it is:

Kathy's Quesadilla/Taco All-in-One Meal:

The cast-iron griddle is essential for this, plus a microwave oven. Get the best corn tortillas you have available. Here in Austin we can buy fresh ones made from scratch by hand from Central Market.

Position three tortillas on a hot griddle so they overlap a little in the center, with little or no oil. It helps if the griddle is well-tempered. Roast on each side on high heat. I like them crispy but not burned. Place on a large dining plate.
Meanwhile, open a can of refried beans (black beans are my favorite) and get out your preshredded cheese (lots of options nowadays--try Asiago, Mexican cheese varieties). Spread first beans, then cheese on the tortillas and put in the microwave for about 30 sec. or until the cheese is melted.
Chop some prewashed lettuce, a scallion, a tomato, a ripe avocado if you have it, open a can of sliced or chopped olives, and dollop these on top. Finish off with salsa or hot sauce of your choice. Best eaten with the hands, although messy.
Variations: Try sauteed mushrooms or sauteed zucchini instead of refried beans. Use baby spinach leaves lightly sauteed in place of lettuce. Make your own beans or take a can of whole beans, drain, and sautee with chopped onion, garlic, cumin, and chili powder. Put fresh cilantro on top. The possibilities are endless. Those of you who eat meat can figure out a way to work that in too.