Southwestern "Crepes" and an Announcement of an Upcoming Giveaway

This month marks a year that I have lived in Arizona (not counting the four that I lived here when I was a teenager).  It's really interesting how different my perspective is as an adult versus what I thought of this state when I was fifteen.  Instead of moaning about how barren, dry and hot it is, I have noticed the friendliness of the people, the down-home-ed-ness (another original word I am adding to the dictionary of Kristen), and of course, the cuisine.  I ventured into one of the neighborhood Carnecerias (meat markets) this weekend with my Spanish speaking brother.  It was a tiny little place filled to the brim with goodies.  We ended up leaving with some milanesa style beef and a fresh pineapple.  What I am interesting in trying, though, is nopales (cactus!).  

What does this have to do with crepes?  Well, these babies aren't really the "make the batter, swish it in the little pan, stand over the hot stove" kind.  They are really tortillas!  How is that for southwestern?!  By the time they have baked with all of the ingredients, you can't tell they aren't real crepes.  They soften up, soak up the butter and taste just like an authentic crepe.  Pretty cool, huh?!

(they don't photograph very well, though)

(that could be a reflection on the photographer, of course)

Southwestern Crepes: 

9  8inch flour tortillas

1/4 cup butter

3/4 cup water

1 cup sugar

1 tsp vanilla

1 8 ounce cream cheese

1 can cherry pie filling

1/4 tsp almond extract

1/4 cup sugar

1 tsp cinnamon

Bring butter, water, and sugar to a boil.  Remove from heat and stir in vanilla.  Spread a little less than a tablespoon of cream cheese on each tortilla.  Divide the pie filling between the tortillas and spoon down the center of each.  Roll them up like a jelly roll.  Place them in a a prepared 9 X 13 pan.  Pour the sugar mixture evenly over the tortillas.  Mix the remaining cinnamon and sugar and sprinkle liberally over the tortillas.  Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes or until bubbly.

Now for the announcement.

The kind folks at CSN Stores have contacted me again about holding another giveaway.  I am totally impressed with their generosity, the quality of their merchandise, as well as the amazing variety of things they sell.  From cookware to linens, from power tools to twin beds, you can find just about anything in their stores.  

Be on the lookout for the start of the giveaway next week (probably on Wednesday).