Instructions

Prepare the Pico de Gallo, and set aside.
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Prepare the Guacamole, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and set aside.
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Combine the goat cheese, shallots, garlic, cilantro, cumin, chili powder, salt, pepper, and oil in a bowl. Mix with a large spoon until thoroughly blended.
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Spread 1/2 teaspoon of the butter on 1 side of each of the 8 tortillas and turn them over.
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Spread one-quarter of the goat cheese mixture on the unbuttered side of each of 4 tortillas. Cover the cheese with another tortilla, buttered side up, sandwich style. Press together lightly, taking care not to squeeze out any of the goat cheese filling.
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Heat a medium nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. When the skillet is hot, cook a quesadilla, turning it 3 times, until golden brown and crisp on both sides, for about 4 minutes in all. Repeat the procedure with the remaining quesadillas, keeping those that are finished warm until theyíre ready.
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To serve, cut each quesadilla into 4 wedges, and arrange on a dinner plate. Place 1/4 cup of the Guacamole in the center, and drizzle 1/2 cup of the Pico di Gallo over the Guacamole and between the quesadilla wedges.
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Yield: 4 first-course servings