Cinco de Mayo is the perfect excuse to take something simple, like a quesadilla, and turn it into a full, festive dinner. This week’s Cook’s Corner leans into bold flavor with steak, melty cheese, and sautéed peppers, plus a fun, easy dessert that the whole family will love: fried ice cream.
And if you’re anything like me, you might cook dinner, but still want to outsource dessert. That’s where one of Spartanburg’s hidden gems comes in. Before we get there, let’s start with dinner.
Steak & Cheese Quesadillas with Peppers
This is one of those recipes that feels restaurant-quality but comes together quickly and is perfect for a busy weeknight or a casual Cinco de Mayo celebration at home.
Ingredients:
• 1 lb flank or skirt steak, thinly sliced
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 1 tsp cumin
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• Salt and pepper
• 1 bell pepper, sliced
• ½ onion, sliced
• 2 cups shredded cheese (Monterey Jack or Mexican blend)
• 4 large flour tortillas
• Butter or oil for cooking
Directions:
1. Toss steak with olive oil, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
2. Cook in a hot skillet for 3–4 minutes until browned. Remove and set aside.
3. In the same pan, sauté peppers and onions until soft and slightly caramelized.
4. Add a tortilla to the pan, sprinkle cheese, then layer steak and veggies on one half. Fold and cook until golden and crispy, about 2–3 minutes per side.
5. Slice and serve with guac, salsa, or sour cream.
Easy Fried Ice Cream (No Fryer Needed)
This version gives you that crunchy, cinnamon-coated outside with cold, creamy ice cream inside, but without the mess.
Ingredients:
• 4 scoops vanilla ice cream (very firm)
• 2 cups crushed cornflakes
• 2 tbsp sugar
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 3 tbsp melted butter
• Honey or chocolate syrup
Directions:
1. Freeze scoops of ice cream until solid.
2. Mix cornflakes, sugar, and cinnamon, then stir in melted butter.
3. Roll ice cream in the mixture, pressing gently to coat. Freeze again for 15–20 minutes.
4. Drizzle with honey or chocolate syrup and serve immediately.
A Local Shortcut Worth Knowing
If you want to keep dinner homemade but make dessert effortless- or just skip cooking altogether- you need to check out Delicious Pasteleria right here on the Westside in Spartanburg.
Located at 106 South Blackstock Road, this family-style Mexican bakery and restaurant is one of those places that doesn’t try to be trendy- it just focuses on really, really good food.
They serve everything from tacos, burritos, tortas, and breakfast plates to aguas frescas and traditional Mexican pastries. But the real standout? The dessert case.
You can walk in and grab authentic options like tres leches cakes, churros, and other pastries that are hard to find done this well locally. It’s the kind of place where you can:
• Pick up dinner already made if you want to keep things simple
• Or grab authentic ingredients and inspiration if you’re cooking at home
• And absolutely leave with dessert—because it’s top tier every time
It’s casual, no-frills, and consistently praised for its authentic flavors and family-run feel.
Whether you’re making everything from scratch or mixing in a local favorite, this quesadilla-and-dessert combo is an easy way to bring a little Cinco de Mayo energy into your kitchen this week.
Have a recipe worth sharing? The Cook’s Corner welcomes submissions from home cooks, local residents, chefs, and restaurants throughout our community. Selected contributors may be contacted for a brief interview so we can share the story behind the dish. To submit a recipe or inquire about a collaboration, email thekitchencorrespondent87@gmail.com.
