White Pizza with Tomato and Basil

For Christmas this year, my sister-in-law bought me a pizza stone. But not just any pizza stone – one that you can use in the oven as well as on the grill. There is something so utterly Italian about pizza over a fire, so I knew my love of pizza needed to spill into the grilling world.

What started as a gift that I intended as a summer staple, has now turned into a year-round necessity.

The purpose of a pizza stone is to evenly distribute the heat, as well as to extract moisture to give a crispier crust. And, after experiencing various methods, I have to give the win to the pizza stone.

And a pizza stone is a great way to cook this flavorful vegetarian pizza recipe – inside or outside. The pesto adds a great flavor and the cheese and tomatoes are, well, essential to a good pizza. You can use refrigerated pesto (which is what I used to make it an easier weeknight meal) and by doing so you can put this pizza together in 20 minutes. I tend to actually roast the tomatoes, though, to bring out the flavors – but it is your call on whether you want them cold and fresh or warm and sweeter.

Thanks to Gina for opening my eyes to the best way to make a pizza. And thanks to Cooking Light for this great, go-to quick pizza recipe!

WHITE PIZZA WITH TOMATO AND BASIL
4 Servings

1 (10-ounce) Italian cheese-flavored thin pizza crust (you could also make this with refrigerated dough as well, but your cooking times will vary)
1 teaspoon cornmeal
Cooking spray
3 tablespoons refrigerated pesto with basil (such as Buitoni)
1/2 cup (2 ounces) shredded fresh mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup part-skim ricotta cheese
1/2 cup sliced small tomatoes (such as Campari tomatoes)
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 cup small basil leaves
Crushed red pepper (optional)

Preheat broiler to low.

Place a pizza stone in oven; heat for 10 minutes.

While pizza stone heats, place crust on another baking sheet sprinkled with cornmeal. Lightly coat crust with cooking spray. Spread pesto evenly over crust, leaving a 1-inch border; sprinkle mozzarella evenly over pesto. Dollop ricotta, by teaspoonfuls, evenly over mozzarella. Slide crust onto preheated pizza stone, using a spatula as a guide. Broil 5 inches from heat for 5 minutes or until cheese begins to melt. Remove from oven; top evenly with tomatoes, black pepper, and basil. Sprinkle with red pepper, if desired. Cut into 8 slices.

Pimiento Mac and Cheese

Everyone has their own comfort food – the indulgence you turn to when you have had a bad day, the weather is glum or you just want to ignore calories and common sense. For some people it comes from a classic dish their mother made, for some it is the food of where they grew up. For me, it is the food that just makes me feel warm and cozy inside. Pasta. Spaghetti with a gravy that has simmered all day long or baked mac and cheese makes me want to put on my pjs, open a bottle of wine and watch terrible TV. And the best thing about comfort food, is it makes all of that ok – no guilt. Well, at least not until the next day…

So it is surprising, really, that I only have one version of mac and cheese on my blog so far. It has always been a go to – many types of cheeses with the salty richness of pancetta. But when I saw this unique version from Bon Appetit, I thought I would try it in hopes of finding another treat for the days I need a pick me up.

Oh. My. Goodness. There is something in this dish that is special – not your average mac and cheese. Yet it isn’t so gourmet that it loses the simple heartiness that makes the dish what it is. You taste this amazing pimento flavor, with a hint of heat and rich, gooey cheese.

Peppadew peppers are easy to find once you know where to look. In my grocery store they were with the pickles – but check around for where they might be at your store. There is something about the shells vs. elbows, as well, that really catch the rich sauce.

So, next time I have a bad day, the skies open up with some nasty weather or I just want to eat an amazing dinner, this one will be on my list.

PIMIENTO MAC AND CHEESE
6 Servings (although I think it is less)

1 7- to 8-ounce red bell pepper, seeded, cut into 1-inch pieces 2 garlic cloves, halved, divided
1/2 cup panko (Japanese breadcrumbs)
3 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature, divided
1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, divided
3/4 cup drained mild Peppadew peppers in brine, 1 tablespoon brine reserved
1/4 teaspoon ground ancho chiles
1 1/4 cups (packed) coarsely grated extra-sharp cheddar cheese
1 cup (packed) coarsely grated whole-milk mozzarella
8 ounces medium shell pasta

Bring 1/2 cup water, bell pepper, and 11/2 garlic cloves to boil in small saucepan. Cover; reduce heat to medium-low. Simmer until pepper is soft, about 15 minutes.

Toast panko in skillet over medium-high heat until golden, stirring often, 5 to 6 minutes. Transfer to bowl; cool to lukewarm. Rub 1 tablespoon butter into crumbs to coat. Mix in 1/4 cup Parmesan.

Transfer bell pepper mixture to processor. Add Peppadews and 1 tablespoon brine, 2 tablespoons butter, ground chiles, and 1/2 garlic clove; then add cheddar and 1/4 cup Parmesan. Blend until sauce is smooth; season to taste with salt and pepper.

Preheat oven to 400°F. Butter 8-cup baking dish (or 6 individual dishes). Cook pasta in pot of boiling salted water until tender but still firm to bite. Drain; return to pot. Stir sauce and mozzarella into pasta. Season with salt and pepper. Spoon pasta into dish. Sprinkle with crumb topping.

Bake pasta until topping is crisp and sauce is bubbling, about 25 minutes (15 for individual). Let stand 10 minutes.

Cherry Tomato Pizza Margherita

If it weren’t for my husband’s heritage, my love of Italian food and my upcoming trip to Italy, I might not know as much about pizza as I do. But, in watching travel shows, reading articles and skimming magazines, I have a new appreciation for pizza – especially of Italian origin.

Growing up I wasn’t a big “plain pizza” fan. I loved pepperoni and even until lately would normally get the pizza with all the fixings. It is once I learned about pizza margherita – and tried it the right way, with the right ingredients – that I fell in love with it.

Back in 1844, the King of Italy, and his wife, Queen Margherita di Savoia, were on holiday in Naples. They called the most popular pizza chef (pizzaioli) to make various kinds of pizza for them. But Queen Margherita fell in love with the pizza sporting the colors of the Italian flag, with mozzarella, tomatoes and basil. He affectionately called it Pizza Margherita after the Queen. Although our trip to Italy won’t include Naples, I have always heard you haven’t had pizza margherita until you have had it in Naples.

But, this recipe from Bon Appetit has to come in a close second. Cooking the tomatoes on the stove then mixing with basil, garlic, fennel and red pepper flakes give it amazing flavor. I changed the recipe a bit since our grocery store didn’t have the multitude of mozzarella cheeses the recipe requires. My adaptation is below.

Bon Appetit!

CHERRY TOMATO PIZZA MARGHERITA
Serves 4

1 13.8-ounce tube refrigerated pizza dough
1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
1 12-ounce bag cherry tomatoes, stemmed
1 garlic clove, pressed
1/2 teaspoon fennel seeds, coarsely crushed in plastic bag
1/4 teaspoon dried crushed red pepper (I used a little more since I love spice)
1 8-ounce ball fresh mozzarella, diced
1/2 cup finely shredded mozzarella
1/3 cup chopped fresh basil leaves plus small leaves for garnish

Position rack in top third of oven and preheat to 425°F. Unroll dough on heavy large baking sheet; pull to about 12×8-inch rectangle, pinching any tears to seal. Fold over edge of dough to make border.

Heat large skillet over high heat 2 minutes. Add oil, then tomatoes; sprinkle with salt and pepper. Sauté until tomatoes are charred and beginning to break down, about 5 minutes. Transfer to large bowl. Mix in garlic, fennel, and crushed red pepper. Using back of fork, crush tomatoes in bowl, leaving large chunks intact. Season mixture with salt and pepper. Toss cheeses and chopped basil in medium bowl.

Sprinkle cheese mixture evenly over dough, right up to border. Spoon on tomato mixture in dollops, leaving some cheese uncovered. Bake pizza until crust is crisp and brown, 25 to 30 minutes.

Loosen pizza with metal spatula and slide onto board. Garnish with basil leaves.

NOTE: If you like your crust a little crispier, here are a few tips:

1. Bake a little longer than 20 minutes.

2. Coat the bottom of the pan with cornmeal

3. Bake the crust ALONE (sans toppings) for about 5-10 minutes to give it a head start, then finish the baking with the toppings.

Chipotle Butter Steak and Poblano, Potato and Corn Gratin

Those who read this blog, know I love a simple steak with flavored butter melted on top. So, when I read this recipe for chipotle roast chicken tacos, I knew that the butter recipe (intended to be rubbed under chicken skin then roasted) would also be great on steak. Not to mention the smokey chipotle will marry perfectly with the steak.

I paired it with a poblano, potato and corn gratin – and it was a great twist on a traditional steak and potatoes. Thanks to Bon Appetit for the potato recipe and for inspiring my steak recipe!

CHIPOTLE BUTTER STEAK
Serves 4

1/4 cup (1/2 stick) butter, softened
1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro leaves
1 tablespoon chopped fresh oregano leaves plus 3 fresh oregano sprigs
1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary leaves plus 3 fresh rosemary sprigs
4 teaspoons minced canned chipotle chiles in adobo
1/2 teaspoon coriander seeds, crushed in resealable plastic bag with mallet
4 flank steaks

Using fork, mix butter, all chopped herbs, chipotle chiles, and crushed coriander in small bowl. Season to taste with salt and pepper. DO AHEAD Can be made 1 day ahead. Cover and chill. Bring to room temperature before using.

Cook steak (grill, stove or oven) until done as desired. While steak is resting (at least 10 minutes), place dollop of butter on top, so it melts.

POBLANO, POTATO, AND CORN GRATIN
Serves 8

3 teaspoons olive oil, divided
2 large fresh poblano chiles, stemmed, seeded, cut into 2×1/4-inch strips
1 1/4 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled, cut into 1/8-inch-thick rounds
1 cup frozen corn kernels, thawed
1 cup coarsely grated Oaxaca cheese or whole-milk mozzarella cheese, divided
1 1/2 cups half and half
2 tablespoons all purpose flour
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Preheat oven to 400°F. Rub 9 1/2-inch-diameter deep-dish glass pie dish or cast-iron skillet with 2 teaspoons oil. Heat remaining 1 teaspoon oil in large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add poblano strips and sauté until tender, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat.

Arrange 1/3 of potato rounds, overlapping slightly, in prepared pie dish. Sprinkle 1/3 of poblano strips over, then 1/3 of corn and 1/3 of cheese. Repeat with 1/3 of potatoes, 1/3 of poblanos, 1/3 of corn, and 1/3 of cheese. Top with remaining potatoes, poblanos, and corn, reserving remaining 1/3 of cheese. Place pie dish on rimmed baking sheet.

Whisk half and half, flour, 3/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper in small bowl. Pour over potato mixture in pie dish; press potatoes to submerge. Cover dish tightly with foil. Bake 30 minutes. Remove foil; sprinkle remaining cheese over gratin. Continue to bake gratin until potatoes are tender and cheese is golden brown, about 25 minutes longer. Let stand 10 minutes before serving.

Summer Chicken Parmesan

For those who know me, know I love to cook seasonally. And, one of my favorite winter dishes is chicken parmesan, but for some reason it just doesn’t feel right in the summer. A bit heavy, a bit rich and a bit out of place.

So when I stumbled upon this Bon Appetit recipe they call “new chicken parmesan” I knew I had found the summer solution to one of my winter favorites.

This dish can be served with whichever side you would like, but I love the traditional pasta with olive oil.

SUMMER CHICKEN PARMESAN
Serves 4

1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil
2 large garlic cloves, pressed
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 12-ounce container grape tomatoes
1 1/2 teaspoons dried oregano
Large pinch of dried crushed red pepper
4 skinless boneless chicken breast halves (about 6 ounces each)
1 1/4 cups finely grated Parmesan cheese, divided
6 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese in water, drained, thinly sliced

Preheat oven to 500° F. Whisk first 3 ingredients in large bowl. Place tomatoes in medium bowl; mix in 2 tablespoons garlic oil, then oregano and crushed red pepper. Add chicken to large bowl with remaining garlic oil and turn to coat.

Place 1 cup Parmesan in pie dish. Dip 1 side of each chicken piece into cheese to coat; arrange chicken, cheese side up, on 1 half of large rimmed baking sheet. Scatter tomatoes on other half of sheet.

Roast chicken until just cooked through and firm to touch, about 10 minutes. Arrange mozzarella slices atop chicken. Return to oven; roast until cheese melts, 1 to 2 minutes. Transfer chicken and tomatoes to 4 plates. Sprinkle with remaining 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese.

White Four-Cheese Pizza with Basil and Garlic

White pizza always sounds a bit strange – isn’t pizza supposed to have tomato sauce? But there is something about white pizza that I just love – a great variety vs. the traditional pizza we all expect.

Pizza is an easy weeknight meal that doesn’t entail much prep work, unless you want to make your own dough. I use refrigerated dough in this one, but you could easily make your own if you choose. I am sure if you have a love for other white cheeses, they would deserve some real estate on this pizza as well. This recipe is thanks for Bon Appetit.

WHITE FOUR-CHEESE PIZZA WITH BASIL AND GARLIC
3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, divided
1 garlic clove, minced
1 13.8 oz tube refrigerated pizza dough
All purpose flour
6 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese, cut into 1/4-1/3 inch cubes
3 ounces soft fresh goat cheese, crumbled
1/2 cup part skim ricotta cheese
3 tablespoons freshly grated Parmesan cheese
3 tablespoons thinly sliced basil

Preheat oven to 450 degrees. Brush 13x9x2-inch metal baking pan with 1 tablespoon oil. Mix remaining 2 tablespoons oil and garlic in small bowl.

Roll out pizza dough on lightly floured work surface to 14×10-inch rectangle. Transfer dough to prepared pan, pushing dough slightly up sides. Brush dough with garlic oil. Top with mozzarella cheese and goat cheese, leaving 1/2-inch plain border. Crumble ricotta cheese over, then sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and basil.

Bake pizza until crust is golden brown and cheeses melt, about 18 minutes. Let stand 3 minutes.

Sciue Sciue Pasta

Sciue’ Sciue’ literally means “improvisation” in Italian. So, technically, since the dish is all improv, you can really make it however you want it! This classic recipe is so simple, and merely combines quality Italian ingredients together for amazing, pure flavors. It is one of my husband’s favorite dishes – and especially during lent, it is fast becoming a Friday night ritual.

This particular recipe calls for ditalini (thimble-shaped pasta), which is commonly used in pasta fagioli. Although not every store carries this little pasta, I highly recommend finding it because the small holes hide all of the robust flavors.

I have to credit this Sciue Sciue rendition to Giada De Laurentiis. Although she doesn’t like to add heat to many of her Italian dishes like I do, her fresh combinations with classic Italian ingredients always result in a winning dish.

Sciue’ Sciue
8 servings

Salt
1.5 cups (about 6 ounces) ditalini or other small tube-shaped pasta
2 tablespoons olive oil
3 garlic cloves, minced
5 plum tomatoes (about 1 pound), cored and chopped
8 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese, drained and cut into .5 inch cubes
8 large fresh basil leaves, coarsely chopped

Bring a large saucepan of salted water to a boil. Add the ditalini and cook, stirring often to prevent the pasta from sticking together, until tender but still firm to the bite, about 8 minutes. Drain.

Meanwhile, in a large, heavy skillet, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the garlic and saute until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add the tomatoes and saute just until heated through, about 2 minutes. Add the cooked pasta. Remove the skillet from the heat. Add the cheese and basil and toss to coat. Season the pasta to taste with salt. Spoon the pasta into bowls and serve immediately.