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What are Macarons Filled with

December 6, 2021 by Jenna Atkinson

As an Amazon Affiliate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Macarons can be filled with your favorite fillings, including buttercream frosting, cream cheese icing, chocolate ganache, jam, lemon curd, or salted caramel sauce.

Buttercream

Buttercream is made with a base of butter, powdered sugar, and a liquid to thin it out (milk, espresso, lemon juice, jam).

You can flavor buttercream with just about anything including:

lemon zest/lemon juice
lime zest/lime juice
freshly brewed espresso
tea leaves
cocoa powder
crushed cookies (cookies and cream)
jam
extracts
spices

Jam works well to flavor buttercream frosting because of its concentrated flavor.

You only need a couple of tablespoons to flavor a large batch of buttercream frosting.

Jam actually works better to add more flavor to the buttercream than using the juice of berries.

Chocolate Ganache

Chocolate ganache is a rich, creamy filling for macarons.

To use chocolate ganache for macarons, the recipe needs to have a higher ratio of chocolate to whipped cream.

Chocolate ganache can be made to be thick or thin depending on what you’re using it for.

For macarons, we don’t want the chocolate ganache running over the edge of the cookie, therefore we want the ganache to be thick.

You can flavor chocolate ganache with extracts, alcohol, or spices to give it a little extra flavor. You don’t need much, 1/4 tsp for extracts and spices and 1/2 – 1 tsp of alcohol.

Taste test your chocolate ganache to make sure you like the flavor prior to filling your macarons.

Jam

Jam has a thick, consistency, but it can be a bit messy in macarons.

It’s best if you use buttercream frosting and jam together as a macaron filling.

Buttercream frosting can be piped in a ring on the outside of the macaron shell, and then jam is placed securely in the center.

The jam is held in the center of the macaron from the thick buttercream frosting, therefore the jam doesn’t leak out of the macaron.

Learn how to pipe 2 macaron fillings.

Jam has a burst of flavor to it, therefore it pairs well with buttercream frosting or a cream cheese icing.

What jam can you use as a macaron filling

raspberry jam
strawberry jam
blackberry jam
blueberry jam

Lemon Curd

Lemon curd has a rich, citrusy burst of flavor. Lemon curd has a rich flavor from the eggs and butter base of the curd.

Fresh lemon juice and zest are added to create the delicious tart lemon flavor.

Lemon curd is thick enough to pipe onto macaron shells once it has chilled, but you could also use it in combination with buttercream if desired.

Salted Caramel

Salted caramel sauce has a memorable sweet and salty brown sugar flavor to it.

Salted caramel is a bit runny, but you can pipe a small amount of it in the center of macarons for an incredible burst of caramel flavor in your macarons.

You can also pair salted caramel with buttercream frosting for 2 fillings in macarons.

You can make chocolate buttercream, and put salted caramel as the center filling for macarons.

How to Fill Macarons

December 4, 2023December 6, 2021 by Jenna Atkinson

As an Amazon Affiliate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Macarons can be filled with buttercream frosting, cream cheese icing, jam, jelly’s, salted caramel sauce, and chocolate ganache.

Depending on what you’re filling your macarons with, there are a couple different techniques you can use to fill macarons with.

If your filling has more of a liquid consistency, you’ll be piping in the center of the macaron.

Whereas, if you’re piping with a thick macaron filling like buttercream, you’ll pipe the outer ring, and then work your way to the center.

If you’re using 2 macaron fillings, learn how to fill them using the instructions below.

Before you begin filling your macarons, you need to match up your macaron shells to make sure they are the same size.

Macarons will look much more professional if you match up your shells to make them uniform in size.

Place them in a line so you can easily pipe your macaron filling, and then put on the top shell.

Tools for Filling Macarons

piping bag
round tip (1/4″ or 1/2″) or decorative star tip
filling (jam, buttercream, ganache, etc.)

How to Fill Macarons with Buttercream

Buttercream is a thick filling for macarons.

You can use a decorative star tip for a textured look to the macaron filling, or a round tip for a smooth look to the filling.

Fit a piping bag with a 1/4″ or 1/2″ round tip.
Place your macaron filling into the piping bag. Cut the tip of the piping bag and expel the air.
Pipe your macaron filling beginning on the outside ring of the macaron, then continue piping the buttercream inside the outer ring until you reach the center.
Lift up the piping bag when the buttercream has covered the macaron from the outside to the inside.
Place a matching macaron shell on top of macaron filling.

How to Fill Macarons with 2 Fillings

Macarons with 2 fillings typically have a center filling that is has more of a liquid consistency. The buttercream will hold this liquid center filling so it doesn’t leak out of the macaron.

Fit a piping bag with a 1/4″ or 1/2″ round tip.
For the outside ring of macaron filling (buttercream), place the macaron filling into the piping bag. Cut the tip of the piping bag and expel the air.
Pipe your macaron filling on the outside ring of the macaron shell, leaving the center without any filling.
You can use a spoon to gently place the center filling into the middle of the piped outside macaron filling.
Place a matching macaron shell on top of macaron filling.

Macarons with 2 fillings

Raspberry Macarons: Raspberry buttercream and raspberry jam
Strawberry Macarons: Cream cheese frosting with strawberry jam
Blackberry Lemon Lavender Macarons: Blackberry buttercream with lemon curd

How to Fill Macarons with Salted Caramel Sauce or Chocolate Ganache

Salted caramel sauce and chocolate ganache have a bit more of a liquid consistency to them.

These fillings need to be piped in the center of the macaron to prevent the filling from going over the edge of the macarons.

Fit a piping bag with a 1/4″ round tip. Caramel sauce is a bit runny, therefore you want a smaller tip to be able to control how much filling you’re putting onto the macaron shell.
Place your caramel sauce filling into the piping bag. Cut the tip of the piping bag and expel the air.
Pipe your caramel filling in the center of the macaron. Only put a small spoonful amount onto the center of the shell. You should still have the outer portion macaron shell exposed with no filling.
Gently place a matching macaron shell on top of macaron filling and squish the salted caramel sauce to the edges of the macaron shell. Filling the macaron shells this way will make sure that it doesn’t overfill and spill over the sides of the macaron shells.

4 Chocolate Garnish Ideas

December 4, 2023December 3, 2021 by Jenna Atkinson

As an Amazon Affiliate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Chocolate garnishes make finished dessert look professional and gourmet.

A chocolate garnish adds beauty, texture, and depth to a dessert.

Chocolate can be made into remarkable designs that can go on top of eclairs, wedding cakes, mousse, or tarts.

Rolled Chocolate

You’ll need a couple of tools to make your chocolate garnishes

Melt your chocolate in 30 second intervals until it’s fully melted. Use a spoon to mix your chocolate in between intervals. You’ll only need 1/4-1/3 cup of chocolate to make a few beautiful chocolate garnish.
Place your piping tip into a piping bag. Put the piping bag over the edges of a tall glass.
Pour the melted chocolate into the piping bag.
Cut the piping bag tip and twist the end of the piping bag to get it ready for piping.
Cut a strip of parchment paper as long as the length of your chocolate garnish.
Begin piping your garnish by piping circles the length of your parchment paper. Continue and go back the same way.
Make another layer of circles beside the first layer. Go back over and create another layer of circles.
Cut the parchment paper close to one side of the circles.
Roll the parchment paper and make sure the chocolate does not touch itself when closing the circle of parchment paper.
Place an elastic band gently over the roll of parchment paper. Don’t squish the parchment paper or you’ll ruin your design.
Place the chocolate garnish in the freezer for 20 minutes to set it.
Take the elastic band off of the roll of parchment paper.
Gently unwrap the parchment paper. Remove the chocolate garnish from the parchment paper.
Do not hold the chocolate garnish for a very long time in your hand or it will start to melt.
Place your decorative chocolate piece in an airtight container until you’re ready to use it.

Chocolate Leaf

Tools you’ll need:

Melt your chocolate in 30 second intervals until it’s fully melted. Use a spoon to mix your chocolate in between intervals. You’ll only need 1/8 cup of chocolate to make a few beautiful chocolate leaves.
Lay your fresh leaves on a silicone mat.
Dip your food safe paintbrush in the melted chocolate and paint the chocolate onto the fresh leaves.
Cover it fully and make it as thick as you need to for your preference.
Place the chocolate leaves in the freezer for 20 minutes to set it.
Gently peel the fresh leaf from the chocolate carefully, not to disturb the chocolate.
Do not hold the chocolate leaf for a very long time in your hand or it will start to melt.
Place your decorative leaves in an airtight container until you’re ready to use it.

Chocolate Snowflake

Chocolate snowflakes are easy to make using only a few tools:

Melt your chocolate in 30 second intervals until it’s fully melted. Use a spoon to mix your chocolate in between intervals. You’ll only need 1/4-1/3 cup of chocolate to make lots of chocolate snowflakes.
Place your piping tip into a piping bag. Put the piping bag over the edges of a tall glass.
Pour the melted chocolate into the piping bag.
Cut the piping bag tip and twist the end of the piping bag to get it ready for piping.
Begin piping the snowflakes. Touch the tip to your silicone mat, pipe it so it’s a bit of a thick circle.
Lift the tip of the piping bag and make a line. Push out a bit more chocolate so it matches the other end of the snowflake.
Make 2 lines perpendicular. Make 2 more lines diagonally for a total of 6 branches on your chocolate snowflake.
Add tiny branches to all of the chocolate snowflake arms.
Place the snowflake in the freezer for 20 minutes to set it.
Gently peel the chocolate snowflake from the silicone mat. Do not hold the chocolate snowflake for a very long time in your hand or it will start to melt.
Store your chocolate snowflakes in an airtight container.

Chocolate Writing

You’ll need a couple of tools to pipe your chocolate words

Melt your chocolate in 30 second intervals until it’s fully melted. Use a spoon to mix your chocolate in between intervals. You’ll only need 1/4-1/3 cup of chocolate to make your chocolate words.
Place your piping tip into a piping bag. Put the piping bag over the edges of a tall glass.
Pour the melted chocolate into the piping bag.
Cut the piping bag tip and twist the end of the piping bag to get it ready for piping.
Place your parchment paper or silicone mat on a baking sheet. This will make it easier to transfer it to the freezer later. Any plate would work for this as well depending on how much freezer space you have.
Begin piping your words as if you were handwriting the word. After you’ve completed the word, trace a line underneath the word to make the letters reinforced, or have something that will be easily stuck into your cake.
Remove the tip from the chocolate word.
Place the chocolate words in the freezer for 20 minutes to set them.
Do not hold the chocolate writing decoration for a very long time in your hand or it will start to melt.
Place your decorative chocolate writing in an airtight container until you’re ready to use it.

Puff Pastry Designs

January 2, 2024December 3, 2021 by Jenna Atkinson

As an Amazon Affiliate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Puff pastry is a delicate, butter layered pastry that you can use to fold and crease into beautiful designs.

You can use rich custard or sweet jam to fill your your puff pastry designs.

See video here.

Puff Pastry design ideas

How to make layered puff pastry

Roll puff pastry dough until it’s 1/4″ in thickness. It should be in a long rectangle ~10″ wide, and 24″ long.
Cut into 3 pieces ~10″x 8″.
Place a layer of parchment paper on an aluminum baking tray. Put 2 layers of puff pastry side by side. Place another player of parchment paper on top of the pastry. Place another aluminum baking sheet on top of the pastry.
Bake the pastry at 400 degrees F for 18-25 minutes until golden brown.
Place one layer of puff pastry on the bottom of your cake layer.
Pipe custard or filling in small circles around the entire sheet of puff pastry.
Add another layer of puff pastry.
Pipe the custard or filling.
Place another layer of puff pastry.
Add the top layer – royal icing, whipped cream, etc.

Try making mille feuille or salted caramel cream filling with hazelnut sauce in between layered puff pastry.

How to make a curled shaped puff pastry design

Cut a rectangular shape of pastry dough ~ 2″x4″.
Fill the center will jam or custard.
Pinch 2 opposing pastry dough together to create the curled design.

How to make a butterfly shaped puff pastry

Cut a piece of pastry 5″ x 5″.
Cut 2 small triangles on opposing sides of the square.
From the edge of the triangle you just cut, slice the pastry at an angle to create a point. Repeat on the other side.
Fill the centers with custard.
Fold the pastry over the custard downward on one side.
Fold the pastry over the custard upward on one side.
Pinch the ends of the point together.

How to make a duchess puff pastry shape

Cut a piece of pastry 5″ x 5″.
Cut the square 1 inch from the edges of the square giving a 1 cm border.
Continue cutting into an angle shape.
Repeat on the other side.
Fill the center with custard.
Fold the cut corner over the pastry.
Fold the other cut corner over to the other side.

How to make a duchess Danish pastry shape

How to make a windmill puff pastry shape

Cut a piece of pastry 5″ x 5″.
Cut 4 slices into the pastry starting at the points. Leave a 1″x1″ box in the center for the filling.
Fold the corner of one of the points into the center.
Fold all of the corners into the center.
Fill the center with custard.

How to make a windmill Danish pastry shape

How to make an envelope puff pastry shape

Cut a piece of pastry 5″ x 5″.
Fold the corner of one of the 4 points into the center.
Continue folding each corner into the center of the pastry.
Fill the center with custard.

How to make an envelope Danish pastry shape

How to make a center filled puff pastry shape

Cut 2 pieces of pastry 5″ x 5″.
Cut a circle in the center of one of pieces of pastry.
Remove the circle.
Place the cut pastry on top of the square pastry.
Fill the circle with custard.

How to make a center filled Danish pastry shape

How long to bake puff pastry designs for

Bake puff pastry for 15 minutes at 400 degrees F.

What is Marshmallow Flavor

December 3, 2021 by Jenna Atkinson

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Marshmallow flavor has a distinct sweet vanilla flavoring.

Vanilla flavoring can be added to marshmallows by using vanilla extract, or you can infuse vanilla beans into the sugar syrup.

Vanilla beans give a ton of flavor to marshmallows. The vanilla bean is cut down the center, and then the beans are scraped into the sugar syrup.

The entire vanilla bean pod can also be put into the sugar syrup to infuse the vanilla flavoring into the syrup.

The vanilla bean pod is removed prior to combining it with the stabilizers.

Marshmallows are more known for their unique texture. They have a soft, pillow texture, that can easily be squished together.

That’s why marshmallows work so well for making s’mores. The marshmallows condenses in between the graham cracker, and gives a vanilla flavor to the s’more.

Marshmallows are quite dense, yet they can easily be pressed and have it bounce back into its shape.

Marshmallows are made by adding whipping air to into a sugar syrup, that’s what makes the marshmallows have this bouncy texture to them.

Marshmallows use a stabilizer to have them keep their shape, they either use corn syrup, Italian meringue, or gelatin.

7 Everything Bagel Topping Ideas

July 27, 2022November 29, 2021 by Jenna Atkinson

As an Amazon Affiliate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Everything bagels can be paired with savory toppings like herbed or plain cream cheese flavors, as well as avocado, eggs, and smoked salmon.

Try out these delicious savory toppings for your everything bagels!

Smoked Salmon with Cream Cheese

Everything bagels can be topped with a layer of plain cream cheese, and thinly sliced smoked salmon.

To give your bagel a hint of refreshing citrus flavor that pairs well with the salmon, add a little bit of lemon zest on top of the salmon.

Add a few thinly sliced red onions, capers, and sprigs of fresh dill to finish off this savory everything bagel.

BLT Bagel

BLT bagels are more of a full, satisfying meal. To make a BLT bagel, smear a layer of plain cream cheese on either side of the bagel.

You can add a little bit of fresh chopped up parsley on top of the cream cheese for an herbed flavored cream cheese.

Top the bagel with tomatoes, lettuce, and crispy bacon. You’ll love the taste of this bagel!

You can serve it as a sandwich to eat it.

Pesto Cream Cheese

Pesto cream cheese has a sweet creamy and earthy flavor to it.

The nutty and herbed flavor of the pesto, combined with the sweet cream cheese goes well with everything bagels.

Roasted Garlic Hummus

Roasted garlic hummus is a creamy, spread with a hint of garlic undertones. Hummus is a filling spread that goes well with an everything bagel.

You can top your bagel with a few thinly sliced tomatoes, cucumbers, carrots, and a few bean sprouts.

Avocado

Avocado is a filling, creamy food that you can put on top of your everything bagel.

There are a few options for using avocado on top of a bagel.

Spread a layer of plain cream cheese, then put slices of avocado on top with a few sprigs of dill (recipe)
mash avocado and spread a layer on top of the everything bagel. Top the bagel with a sunny side up egg (recipe)
mash avocado with a few spices including: pepper, salt, and paprika. Spread a layer on top of the everything bagel and sprinkle with a few sesame seeds. (recipe)

Caprese Bagel

Caprese bagel is packed with savory, creamy flavors.

Caprese everything bagel is made by spreading a layer of fresh pesto on the bagel.

Add fresh leaves of basil, fresh mozzarella slices, and freshly roasted tomatoes on top of the everything bagel.

Caprese bagels are juicy from the tomatoes, but they also have the creamy, decadent mozzarella cheese finish to it.

Herb and Garlic Cream Cheese

Herb and garlic cream cheese is one of the most favorited toppings for everything bagels.

Herb and garlic cream cheese combines your favorite earthy herbs, with hints of garlic that pair well with a salty, savory everything bagel.

Herb and garlic cream cheese can be made by adding dried basil, parsley, thyme, and minced garlic to plain cream cheese.

You’ll love the creamy, crunchy flavors of your everything bagel paired with herb and garlic cream cheese!

9 Dipping Sauces for Fries

November 29, 2021 by Jenna Atkinson

As an Amazon Affiliate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Fries can be dipped into a burst of flavors from your favorite dipping sauces.

Fries are fairly neutral flavored with their crispy edges, therefore fries are best served with an accompanying dipping sauce.

Try making your own dipping sauces for fries right at home using these easy to make recipes!

It takes no time at all to flavor some mayonnaise with ingredients you have on hand.

Garlic Aioli

Garlic aioli is the most classic flavor of aioli you can make. Garlic aioli is made by adding fresh minced garlic, lemon, pepper, and salt to your aioli base.

Honey Mustard Sauce

Honey mustard sauce is a sweet and tangy sauce for dipping roasted cauliflower into.

Honey mustard sauce is made by adding honey, Dijon mustard, whole grain mustard, and garlic powder to mayonnaise.

Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Chipotle Mayo

Chipotle mayo is a spicy, tangy mayonnaise that pairs well with sweet potato fries.

Chipotle mayo gets its spice from adding chipotle peppers in adobo sauce to mayo, along with a little lemon juice to give it its tangy flavor.

Gravy

Gravy has a creamy, thick sauce with hints of meat flavor. Gravy is a rich dipping sauce for French fries.

Gravy is typically served on top of French fries with cheese curds to make “poutine”. Poutine is more of a meal in itself with the rich cheese curds added.

Cajun Garlic Aioli

Cajun garlic aioli is a spicy, garlic flavored aioli that goes well for dipping fries into. The spiciness of the dip, combined with hints of garlic makes this an savory dipping sauce for fries.

Cajun garlic aioli is made by adding fresh minced garlic, horseradish, cayenne pepper, tarragon, and creole mustard to an aioli base.

Dill Dip

Dill dip is a sweet, pungent, tangy flavor to it. Dill has a strong flavor to it, so it can quite overpowering. If you like dill pickle chips, you’ll love dipping your dries into dill dip.

Dill dip is made by adding herbs, Worcester

Dill dip goes well when paired with sweet potato fries.

Lime Dipping Sauce

Lime dipping sauce has a refreshing citrus, yogurt flavor to it.

Lime dipping sauce goes well with avocado fries, zucchini fries, French fries, or sweet potato fries.

Lime dipping sauce is made by adding fresh lime juice to Greek yogurt and mayonnaise.

Sriracha Mayo

Sriracha mayo is a spicy, tangy dipping sauce that brings the heat to your fries.

Sriracha mayo is made by adding fresh lemon juice, minced garlic, honey, and sriracha sauce to mayo.

The honey makes the sauce have a bit of a sweeter finish, so it’s not all heat that you’re eating with your fries!

Marinara Dip

Marinara dip has a tomato base to it. Marinara sauce has a rich, tomato flavor to it, with hints of garlic and herbs.

Marinara is made by adding oregano, basil, minced garlic, salt, and olive oil to tomato sauce. The flavors come together by heating them on the stove for a couple of minutes.

Marinara dip is best served warm with fries.

Marinara dip goes well with zucchini fries, sweet potato fries, and French fries.

4 Black Macaron Flavors

November 29, 2021 by Jenna Atkinson

As an Amazon Affiliate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Black macarons are a striking color that will peak people’s interest.

Macarons can be deceiving with their color, people have no idea what flavor they’re biting into.

Black macarons are made by adding a small amount of black gel food coloring to macaron shell batter.

You can also flavor the macaron shells by adding 1/4 tsp of extracts or up to 1-2 tbsp of coffee grounds, cookie crumble, etc.

Black Praline Macarons

Black Praline Macarons are made by adding chopped cacao nibs and small pieces of hazelnuts to the tops of the macarons right after piping them.

The filling is made by making a hazelnut praline buttercream frosting. Praline is a nutty, earthy flavor that is one of the most flavorful nut macarons you can make.

Cookies and Cream Macarons

Cookies and cream macarons are made by dusting the tops of the macaron shells with sprinkle of cookie crumble.

The buttercream based filling is made by adding vanilla extract, crushed Oreo cookies, and Oreo cookie crumble.

The mixture is blended until smooth and piped into the macaron shells.

The black macaron shell against the dark grey filling makes these macarons look irresistible!

Dark Chocolate Peppermint Macarons

Dark chocolate peppermint macarons are made by adding peppermint oil and black gel food coloring to macaron batter.

You can add a sprinkle of crushed candy candies to the tops of the macarons prior to putting them to bake in the oven for a pop of color against the black macarons.

Dark chocolate peppermint macarons are filled with dark chocolate ganache.

Chocolate ganache is rich, creamy, and goes well with the complimenting flavored peppermint macarons.

Orange and Dark Chocolate Macarons

Orange and dark chocolate macarons are made with a vanilla bean outer shell, colored with black gel food coloring.

The center filling is a orange zest infused dark chocolate ganache.

Orange dark chocolate macarons have a rich and citrus flavor.

Orange and dark chocolate macarons are quite dark – black shell with a dark brown filling.

You could put a little bit of candied orange bits on the tops of the macaron shells prior to baking for a bit of an orange pop of the color on top of the black macarons.

How to Make Mousse Without Gelatin

March 30, 2023November 29, 2021 by Jenna Atkinson

As an Amazon Affiliate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Mousse is a creamy decadent dessert that generally needs a stabilizer like gelatin if you’re making mousse with whipped cream.

However, there are options to make mousse without using gelatin. You’re going to need to use something that whips up thicker than whipped cream.

Coconut cream is a thick, creamy base you can use to make mousse with, without requiring the use of gelatin.

To use coconut cream as your base for making mousse, you’ll need to separate the coconut water from coconut cream.

Place the can of coconut milk in the fridge overnight. The cream will solidify in the fridge, whereas the water will remain liquid.

Pour out the water from the can of coconut milk, we won’t be using coconut water to make mousse.

Another thing to note, if you’re making a fruit or berry mousse, you’ll want to mix the mousse right before you serve it. You can prepare the mousse the day before you want to serve it, just mix immediately before serving it into dishes.

The water from the puree or fruit will separate from the coconut milk overtime, but this does not effect the flavor, only the look of the mousse.

Place the coconut cream in a stand mixer, and beat it on medium speed for about 5-7 minutes. The coconut cream should be whipped until it’s thick and creamy for your mousse.

At this point, you can flavor your mousse using a berry puree. Make sure you remove the seeds by using a strainer. You’ll want a smooth, concentrated sauce to flavor your coconut cream with.

Another option to flavor your mousse is by adding melted chocolate, or cocoa powder to create a chocolate creamy mousse.

You can add decorations to your mousse made without gelatin by using berries, chocolate scrolls, or powdered sugar dusted on top.

Try making raspberry mousse, or chocolate mousse to make mousse without gelatin.

5 Quesadilla Toppings

November 21, 2021 by Jenna Atkinson

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Quesadilla’s can be topped with tangy, spicy, creamy, or refreshing sauces to enhance the flavor of the quesadilla.

You can top your quesadillas with cilantro lime sauce, guacamole, tomato salsa, watermelon mango salsa, or salsa verde.

Cilantro Lime Sauce

Cilantro lime sauce is a tangy, citrusy, sauce for quesadillas.

Cilantro lime sauce is made with yogurt, fresh lime juice, avocado, cilantro, and minced garlic all blended together to create a creamy topping for quesadillas.

Guacamole

Guacamole is a chunky sauce made with mashed avocados.

Guacamole is made by adding diced tomatoes, tomatoes, chopped cilantro, and a pinch of garlic salt to mashed avocado.

Guacamole pairs well with sour cream or salsa for topping a quesadilla with.

Tomato Salsa

Tomato salsa is a juicy, chunky salsa that has a little bite to it. Salsa adds a ton of flavor and compliments quesadillas well as a topping. Salsa can be paired with guacamole well for serving on top of quesadillas.

Tomato salsa is made by adding whole canned tomatoes, and a can of diced tomatoes with green chilies (Rotel tomatoes work well) as the base of the salsa.

Finely chopped jalapeno with the seeds removed are added to the salsa, as well as some diced onions.

A few herbs like garlic and cumin are added, and then the salsa can be “pulsed” only in a food processor. Don’t overmix the salsa until it becomes a mush.

Pulse the salsa 7-10 times to get it just perfectly chunky.

Watermelon Mango Salsa

Watermelon mango salsa is a refreshing fruit salsa that pairs well with chicken or black bean quesadillas.

Watermelon mango salsa is made by hand, by chopping up watermelon, mango, and pineapple into small cubed pieces.

Finely chopped jalapeno gives this salsa a hint of spice. Red pepper and red onion finish off this fruity, refreshing salsa.

Watermelon mango salsa goes well with a bit of guacamole for quesadilla toppings.

Salsa Verde

Salsa verde is a refreshing, spicy green salsa that goes well as a spicy quesadilla topping.

Salsa verde is made with roasted tomatillos.

Tomatillos are green tomatoes that come in a paper husk which needs to be removed prior to roasting them.

Roasting tomatillos neutralizes the acidity of the tomatoes, making it a savory base as a salsa.

After the tomatillos are cooked, they are placed in a food processor with finely chopped onions, serrano pepper, fresh lime juice, cilantro and cumin.

Once the salsa has been “pulsed” until the tomatoes are broken up, it’s ready to serve.

Salsa verge is a tangy, spicy salsa that pairs well with chicken quesadillas.