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!

Black Bean Burgers with Mango Salsa

Flavorful, healthy and fresh homemade black bean burgers are a vegetarian's delight. The mango-avocado salsa is just the right choice for a side or topping to the burger.

Black Bean Burger

You will need:

2 (15-ounce) cans blacks beans, rinse and drain

3/4 cup finely chopped cilantro, divide

3/4 cup shredded Monterey Jack Cheese

1/4 panko breadcrumbs

2 teaspoons cumin

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1 teaspoon salt

2 pickled jalapeno peppers, finely chop

2 large egg whites

Preheat oven to 350 degrees

Mash black beans in a large bowl

Stir in 1/2 cilantro and all ingredients through egg whites

Coat baking sheet lightly with oil

Shape into patties *don't make too big

Bake patties for 20 minutes, carefully turning once

Mango-Avocado Salsa

Combine the following:

1 medium mango, chopped

1 avocado, chopped

3 tablespoons shallots, finely chopped

1 garlic clove, pressed

Juice of a lime

Serve each beanie burger on your favorite bun and top with butter lettuce and mango-avocado salsa. Yum.