Monday, March 14, 2011

Random Things I've Made In The Past

Seafood Mushroom Caps with 3 cheeses and fresh baby shrimp.

Summer Salad with strawberries, almonds and fresh parm with balsamic reduction.

Seared Scallop Salad with crispy ham and lemon dressing.

Turkey on a toasted bagel with cream cheese, a little sundried tomato pesto and fresh greens.

Another seafood mushroom cap version 2.0 with large shrimp and crab.

And of course, dessert! Strawberries dipped in some melting wafers. Yum!

Friday, March 11, 2011

What Mom Made

Airing our Dirty Laundry. Delicious!

Consomme Soup.

Sliced BBQ Pork tenderloin.

Sweet and Sour Chicken.

Mushroom Fried Rice.

Stir fried veggies with oyster sauce.

And birthday cupcakes for ME! Thanks, Mom for making my favorite dinner ever!

Tuesday, March 8, 2011

Penne With Rose Sauce & Fresh Parm

Why am I not married? Seriously,boys my penne brings you all to the yard. Before my mother asks me when was the last time I ate a vegetable, it should be also noted that I do make side salads as well.

Cheddar & Potato Pirogies Fried In Bacon Grease And Shame

Sprinkled with a bit of aged cheddar,chopped green onion and a side dollop of sour cream.

Sunday, March 6, 2011

That's Amore!

For the last 5 years or so I've been making my own pizza from scratch* and have posted several photos of it online only to heave people ask for a recipe. Well I'm bored most days, so I decided to take some pictures and share my idea of the perfect,easy pizza.

*You can find a million recipes online for an easy crust like this one or you can just buy the pre-mixed packet for $1.50 at most grocery stores like this one made by and with Robin Hood Flour.

The secret to a good sauce is raw tomatoes. It makes for a fresher,less bitter taste to compliment the cheese. I prefer an Italian variety like the ones above,who also do a really simple tomato pizza sauce.

Simply add a 1/2 cup of water to the mix and stir until it forms a heavy,moist dough.

Form into a ball and place near a warm spot,covered for about 10mins. It won't double in size like bread but it should be a bit bigger.

I like to use a good parchment paper instead of foil or the non-stick pan. Stretch it out to whatever shape you like and pop it in the oven for about 5mins to partially cook the crust. This step isn't mandatory,but I like the firmness it adds to the crust.

This is after 6mins at a 430 degree oven. It should just be turning golden at edges. You don't want to overdo it as it still goes back in for a few more minutes.

While the crust was in the oven I took the time to chop and sautee some mushrooms in olive oil, salt n pepper to draw out the moisture and a little garlic and onion.

I like a light sauce to cut down on the pizza burn experience but it's your call.

Black forest ham, sauteed mushrooms and 4 cheeses including,colby, parm,cheddar and provolone. All ready for the oven!

Another 5mins or so until the cheese is bubbling and the crust is golden brown.

Let is sit for a few mins to allow the cheese to set a bit and then cut that boy boy up!

And you even get a nice upskirt shot of the best damn pizza this side of White Rock! It's pretty easy to make and fun if you have a willing partner. 1 packet is good for two small eaters with a salad but if you're cooking for a man, get 2. It will still fit in a decent sized cookie sheet or can be split into two. Bon appetito!