Lost in the shuffle.

The past few weeks have been a blur!  Between wedding planning (who’s getting married?) and well, life, I haven’t had a chance to share everything!  So here’s a run down of things that have gotten lost in the shuffle.

pizza and wine

Sometimes frozen pizza is necessary.  A few weeks back, one of those times happened.  This was my first time trying Trader Joe’s 3-Cheese Gluten Pizza and I must say it was awesome.  This will be purchased again.  And the wine?  It was a red wine blend that somehow appeared in our wine rack.  Though I don’t consider myself a “red wine drinker” this was actually rather tasty.

frozen dinner

With the frozen pizza, I served frozen green beans.  What can I say, it was a Betty (not Martha) kind of night.  But I did doctor up the green beans with caramelized onions and balsamic vinegar.

jam bars

I baked!  My Momma mentioned jam bars she made using a recipe from the Pioneer Woman and it made me excited to try Jenna’s Jam Crumb Bars.  I used strawberry jam and Big Guy loved ‘em.

green pizza

St. Patty’s Day seems like moons ago, but I can’t help but show you our creation.  Corned Beef and Potato Pizza.  I made a few changes to the recipe – using a gluten-free pizza dough mix, less creme fraiche and a “real” potato instead of frozen mashed potatoes.  Big Guy also cooked up some corned beef to chop up.  The pesto guoda is where it’s at, though!  It is an insanely weird color but it is insanely delicious.  But honestly, can you go wrong with pesto infused cheese?  It was available in limited amounts at Trader Joe’s.

Can you believe it’s the last week of March?

 

Paradise Pizza

Last week was National Pizza Week so of course I had to participate!

Food Network’s Diners, Drive-ins and Dives is a show that can be found playing on the t.v. at least once a week.  It’s a no-brainer show, meaning I can be doing other things while watching it and not have to worry about missing anything.  During an episode last week, a pizza from Psycho Suzie’s was showcased.  I immediately knew that was the pizza we were making on Saturday.

Paradise Pizza:  Canadian Bacon, pineapple, pineapple rum-soaked raisins and red onion atop a pile of mozzarella   

Pineapple rum-soaked raisins?  Yes, please!  Obviously I didn’t have a recipe to follow just an ingredient list.  To prepare the raisins, I soaked about 1/2 a cup of raisins in a mixture of coconut rum (Malibu) and pineapple juice (from the can of the pineapple chunks I was going to use).  Those were prepped about 5 hours before eating time.

 

While the dough (I used a Bob Mill’s gluten-free mix) was resting I prepped the remaining ingredients.

 

Pineapple chunks, pre-made pizza sauce, Canadian bacon (cut into quarters) and red onion (sliced thinly).  While I was prepping those ingredients, Big Guy was grating the mozzarella.  Tip:  If you’re grating a mozzarella ball, place it in the freezer for 10-15 minutes to make it easier.

Oh man…patience wasn’t easy while this pizza was baking.

 

Once it came out of the oven, I was more than ready to dig in!

 

Paradise Pizza perfection!  Don’t let the raisins scare you!  This combination had sweet, savory, salty and creamy.

I honestly escaped to paradise while enjoying this pizza.  Despite my tendency to never make a recipe twice…this may be an exception.

Pizza Nights are the Best!

I will never, ever turn down pizza.  It’s simply the best!  This pizza  is loaded with garlic (5 cloves!!!!), three cheeses and a pop of green from the spinach.  I used frozen gluten-free pizza crusts but use whatever crust is your favorite.  First, slice the garlic super thin.  I used my mandoline.   Just don’t slice off the tips of your fingers!  Add about a tablespoon of EVOO to a pan along with the sliced garlic then heat over medium heat until it starts to sizzle.  That’s when you throw in the spinach.  Allow it to wilt and then remove from heat.  In a bowl you mix up the three cheeses – ricotta (said like Giada), Parmesan and mozzarella – in fact, pronounce all those like Giada.  Spread the cheese mixture on the crust.  Bake until the crust is just beginning to brown.  Then add on the spinach and cook until your crust is perfect.

Pizza Pizza

I actually turned the “broil” setting on for about two minutes to get it all bubbly…

Cheese and Garlic Perfection

On the side, roasted okra with seasoning salt.  The okra caught my eye at the store yesterday – I just had to have it.

Pizza and a Movie

I ate my pizza and okra while watching “The Holiday” – one of my favorite movies.  I also watched “The Family Stone” – another FAB holiday movie.  Hey, I finished all my laundry and cleaned the house, so I was allowed to lounge.

A simple yet scrumptious pizza.

Harvest Pizza

We’re on  pizza kick and I don’t see it going away.  This pizza screams fall.  Warm and comforting.  And completely delicious.

I made a few changes from the original recipe but the concept is the same.  Instead of making my own sage pesto (which I would imagine is amazing), I used up some remaining basil pesto (I just hate throwing away food!).  I also used two mini gluten-free Rudi’s pizza crusts.  They’re fantastic for gluten-lovers and gluten-avoiders.  And instead of prosciutto  I used bacon.

There are a few steps involved but it’s worth it.  First, dice the butternut squash into tiny cubes.  Saute in a tablespoon of butter with nutmeg, salt and pepper for about 10 minutes, covered.  Remove from the pan and throw in another 1/2 tablespoon of butter and the onions.  Caramelize those bad boys for about 10 minutes.  Remove from pan and cook a few slices of bacon.  Now let’s assemble the pizza!

First, spread a little pesto over the crust.  Top with a sprinkle of Parmesan.  Next, pile on the butternut squash, onions and bacon crumbles.  Top with goat cheese!  Bake!

I only used about 2 ounces of goat cheese which I thought was plenty.

On the sides, some roasted green beans that were simply tossed with olive oil and seasoning salt.

 

What pizza creation will come out of our kitchen next?

Brussels and Bacon

Yesterday was totally a fall day.  Well, minus the fact that Big Guy was wearing shorts and a t-shirt and it was 80 degrees.  BUT it was totally fall because we went to the pumpkin patch!

pumpkin patch

We didn’t carve them yesterday…we’ll do that closer to Halloween.

It’s Fall, y’all!

Now onto brussels and bacon.  Not an unlikely pairing.  Unless you put it on a pizza.  

killer duo

But boy was it a perfect pizza.

First I cooked up some chopped bacon.  Once the bacon was cooked through – I removed it from the pan and cooked 6 brussels that had been sliced and tossed with a tablespoon or so of balsamic and 2 cloves of minced garlic.

Once that was cooked, I topped the crusts (gluten-free) with the brussels, sharp cheddar cheese, a sprinkling of feta and the bacon.  I also added a dash of red pepper flakes.  Cooked until the crust was browning and the cheese was melted to perfection

perfect pizza

On the side, the remaining brussels that I simply halved and sauteed while the pizza was baking.

This was one fantastic pizza combination.  Seriously!  We’ve made a lot of delicious pizzas, but this was one of the best.

Ditch the greens. What?

It’s pizza time!  Pizza is one of my favorite meals.  Sometimes it’s my favorite because of the wild and crazy toppings and sometimes it’s my favorite because it’s easy and comforting.  This pizza falls in the comforting category.

With this recipe I did something I don’t usually do – I left out a vegetable…spinach!  I just didn’t think that the crust would be strong enough.  And since spinach doesn’t really add any flavor – I figured the tomatoes were worth keeping and ditch the greens.

Spinach and Onion Pizza.  So since “onion” pizza doesn’t seem that appetizing…”Cheese and Onion Pizza with Chunky Tomato Sauce” is my new title.

 

But there’s still green on the plate.  Lemony Snow Peas.  I used snap peas instead of snow peas.  And instead of a shallot I threw in some garlic.  I also didn’t see the use of sugar – so I left that out.

Pizza and peas!

White Pizza Dip…It happened.

On Friday I listed White Pizza Dip as one of my favorites that was bound to happen at some point this fall.  Well, it took all of one day to make it happen.  It didn’t take much to convince Big Guy that we needed the pizza dip in our life on Saturday.  I mean, he did get to watch football all.day.long so I should at least get something out of that deal.

 

Ummm, this was, like, out of control good.  It tasted JUST like pizza.  I actually halved the original recipe knowing that we’d eat it all if given the opportunity and that did not need to happen.  And instead of provolone cheese, I used Gruyere and it was glorious.  I also used dried oregano instead of fresh.  Other than that, I followed the recipe and I can promise you that this will be made again.

 

Because we had such an indulgent “snack” I kept dinner on the lighter side.  Apricot-Glazed Pork Kebabs with a side or roasted green beans.  It was a perfect Saturday.  And I’m already looking forward to this Saturday.

I know, wishing my life away, but the weekends are so much better than weekdays.

 

Chicken Cordon Bleu Pizza

Another silly pizza combination!  I’m telling you, if you’re stuck in the cheese and pepperoni topping rut, STOP.  Experiment.  Have fun with your pizza.  I mean, pizza is the best vehicle for just about anything.  Except mayo.

I can’t take credit for this pizza idea, though.  I ran across another blogger who whipped up this creation and I just had to recreate it.  I used a pre-made Rudi’s gluten-free crust from Whole Foods.  I attempted to make the “white sauce” but I failed – probably due to trying to make it gluten-free with cornstarch.  But the pizza still prevailed without it.

On top of the crust, chunks of chicken (I took the easy route and used pre-cooked chicken strips) and delicate slices of ham are evenly distributed.  Then I added a little sprinkle of nutmeg all over top for a little somethin’ somethin’ extra along with a dash of black pepper.  Then I topped the whole thing with stinky Swiss cheese (I’m not sure why but I find the smell of Swiss sometimes stronger than blue!).  Baked until bubbly and golden.

It didn’t turn out to be pretty – but remember what your Momma told ya, “don’t judge a book my it’s cover.”

On the side, Big Guy’s favorite brussels!  

Eaten while curled up on the couch on a rainy evening while watching a movie.

Sunday night perfection!

Simple Sunday Pizza

Yesterday was a rainy, rainy day.  After being semi-productive (hey, I showered) we settled in on the couch for a movie.

Pizza is our go-to on many Sunday evenings and last night was no different.  But we kept this pizza simple.  Well, sort-of.  It looks simple but the sauce is actually homemade from our garden Roma tomatoes.  Instead of going through the steps of making the sauce, I’m going to send you to Cooking Light’s visual – that’s the recipe I used.  It tells you step-by-step how to make some of the most delicious sauce you’ll ever taste.  I stopped at step 5 – no pasta was involved.  I simply let it simmer until almost all the liquid is evaporated.  And please, whatever you do, eat a spoonful straight from the stove-top.  Jarred tomato sauce has nothing on this stuff.

I wanted the sauce to be the main topping on the pizza since it’s packed with flavor and a small hint of heat from red pepper flakes.  On top of the sauce, fresh slices of mozzarella and once it was bubbly, a sprinkling of basil confetti.  As for the crust, a gluten-free variety that Big Guy picked up at Whole Foods; I wish I could remember the company because it was fantastic.  I’ll make a note the next time I pick some up.

 

 

Friday Favorites.

One of my absolute favorite blogs is Iowa Girl Eats.  I think it’s the first blog I check in the mornings.  She is always whipping up fantastic dinners in her kitchen that are both healthy and man-friendly.  She’s not afraid to admit she indulges and she like to “pin it” on Friday with her Friday Favorites.  Copying is flattery at it’s finest so here are my Friday Favorites.

Favorite Backyard Idea:  A mini-beach with a fire pit.  I would spend every Saturday night perched on that bench drinking wine.

Favorite Earrings:  Color-blocking for your ears.

Favorite Drink to Sip:  Pineapple Cilantro Jalapeno Cocktail.  It reminds me of one of my true favorites, The Sting.

Favorite Appetizer:  White Pizza Dip.  The recipe has been printed.

Favorite Blast From the Past:  Oregon Trail

Favorite Addition to the Bar:  I’ve been needing a drink cocktail shaker…

Favorite legs:  Get it, guuurrrrl.

Favorite start to my morning:  A sweater mug!  How cozy.

Favorite Brunch Item:  Blueberry Cream Cheese Monkey Bread.  I know, I just drooled, too.

Favorite Date-night Recipe: Big Guy would love this balsamic and whiskey marinade.

Favorite idea:  Use your garlic press to crack spice seeds.  Why didn’t I think of that?!?!?!

Happy Friday!  I am so excited it’s Friday I can’t stand it.

p.s. 9 months from today, we say “I do.”