Friday, January 15, 2016

Pizza Crust Rapido

¾ cup self-rising flour

¾ cup all-purpose flour

½ teaspoon salt

½ cup plus, 1 tablespoon lukewarm water

1 tablespoon olive oil, plus 2 more tablespoons for painting crust

  1. Preheat oven to 425*.
  2. Thoroughly mix flours and salt.
  3. Mix water and 1 tablespoon olive oil, either by hand or by pouring into processor while motor is running.
  4. Remove dough and knead by hand until smooth, 2 to 3 minutes. Let dough rest 5 to 10 minutes before rolling out and placing in pizza pan or on baking sheet in a 12-inch circle. Paint with olive oil.
  5. Bake 10 minutes. Apply toppings to pizza immediately and bake 5 to 10 minutes. 

Pizza Margherita


4 teaspoons olive oil

2 heaping cups grated mozzarella cheese

2 large tomatoes or 6 Italian plum tomatoes, sliced

¼ cup chopped fresh basil or 1 heaping tablespoon dried
  1. Preheat oven to 425*
  2. Brush prebaked pizza crust with olive oil and sprinkle with all but ¼ cup of the mozzarella
  3. Place tomato slices over cheese; sprinkle over remaining mozzarella on top.
  4. Sprinkle with basil over topping and bake pizza until nicely browned. 

Thursday, January 14, 2016

Sausage, Sourdough, and Bell Pepper Spiedini

Original: Bon Appetite Magazine

6 tablespoons Sherry wine vinegar

2 tablespoons plus, 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard

2 garlic cloves pressed, infused in oil

4 tablespoons minced fresh rosemary

1 cup olive cup

24 2 x ½ inch pieces assorted bell peppers (about 4 bell peppers)

16 1 ¼ inch long diagonal pieces kielbasa sausage (about 1 ½ pounds)

1 large red onion, cut into 1 ½ inch wide wedges, trimmed, layers separated (32 pieces total)

16 1 ¼ inch cubes crusty sourdough

8 cups mixed baby greens

Prep: 45 minutes ; Total: 45 minutes

1   1. Prepare barbecue (medium-high heat)

2. Whisk first four ingredients in a small bowl, then whisk in oil

3. Season dressing with salt and pepper and set aside

4. On each of 8 metal skewers, alternatively thread 3 bell pepper pieces, 2 sausage pieces, 4 onion pieces, and 2 bread cubes

5. Brush skewers all over with 1 tablespoon dressing each

6. Grill lightly until charred, turning often, about 12 minutes

7. Toss greens in a large bowl, with enough remaining dressing to coat

8. Divide among 4 plates, top with skewers

*Great for company! 



Monday, January 11, 2016

Hot Cocoa Mix

Total Time: 10 minutes

1 ½ cups unsweetened cocoa
1 ¼ cup sugar
6 ounces semisweet chocolate, coarsely chopped.

In food processor, with knife blade attached, blend cocoa, sugar, and chocolate and ¼ teaspoon salt until smooth. Store in container at room temperature for up to six months. When ready to serve, heat milk and add mix to taste. Top with marshmallows or whipped cream.

     Originally found in Good Housekeeping