Veggie Pizza

Roasted red peppers, caramelized red onion, goat cheese and fresh basil made for a wonderful pizza last night. Someone (I won't name names) was originally upset that I didn't not include sausage on the pizza. Four slices later he exclaimed, "this vegetarian pizza is awesome". Although I think sausage would been a perfect meat addition to these flavors, the veggie only combination felt healthy and tasted perfect.

ROASTED RED PEPPER, CARAMELIZED ONION AND GOAT CHEESE PIZZA

You will need:

1 cup roasted red peppers

1 onion (red or sweet variety is best)

1 teaspoon sugar

8 ounce package goat cheese

1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded

pizza dough (I like Publix)

basil

olive oil

coarse salt

Roll out the dough with a little flour into the shape you desire.

Smear a little olive oil on a sheet pan.

Place dough on pan.

Smear crust with a little olive oil.

Sprinkle crust will a little coarse salt.

Slice red onions into thin half moon shapes.

Heat a little oil in a saute pan.

Place onion slices in hot pan.

Sprinkle with a small bit of sugar.

Saute until soft and golden.

Top pizza with roasted red peppers, sweet onions, globs of goat cheese and a thin coating of shredded cheese.

Bake according to dough package directions.

Dress with chopped basil and enjoy!

Do You Know Naan?

If you haven't ever tried Naan then please put it on the top of your grocery list. Naan is an soft Indian bread you can buy frozen at Trader Joe's or Whole Foods. (Trader Joe's Quattro Formaggio is another great staple)





Lately I have been treating Naan like instant personal pizza dough, but it is a great substitution for any sandwich. Because summer = simple in my kitchen, choose one veggie, one herb and one cheese to top your Naan. Any combo will be great but here are two I know to be awesome...


Squash, Oregano and Quattro Formaggio Blend





Turn on oven to broil setting.
Slice squash fairly thin.
Roughly chop oregano.
Saute squash briefly in a small saucepan with oil to release some water.
Top frozen (or lightly microwaved) Naan with the squash, oregano and cheese.
Sprinkle with kosher salt.
Broil for a few minutes.


Tomato, Basil and Quattro Formaggio Blend




Turn oven to broil setting.
Slice tomatoes and set on a paper towel to soak up excess water.
Core tomatoes if still very watery.
Layer frozen or lightly microwaved Naan with tomatoes, basil and cheese.
Sprinkle with kosher salt.
Broil for a few minutes.


I hope these Naan pizzas bring excitement to your lunch like they did for me.

Spicy Sausage Pizza

If you love pizza, don't be afraid to to make it at home. It can be healthier than restaurant style and it's fun. This recipe is a template- be creative and add whatever suits your fancy. Watch out because I will post several of my favorite homemade pizza combos in the future.

Justin's Spicy Sausage Pizza

You will need:

pizza dough (I prefer Publix)

spicy sausage

red bell pepper, sliced

onion, sliced

garlic, minced

mozzarella cheese, shredded

olive oil

kosher salt

Saute sausage, sliced onion, garlic and sliced pepper in a skillet

Cook sausage until just done and peppers/onion softened

Prepare dough according to package directions

Roll out dough to shape of you choice

Drizzle pan with olive oil

Assemble the pizza on the pan

Dab crust with olive oil and kosher salt

Sprinkle a little cheese

Layer the sausage/onion/pepper mixture

Top with more cheese

Bake according to dough (usually about 400 for 25 min)