Sunday Sightings: Pizza Love

Goodness Pizza

If you haven't discovered Trader Joe's pre-made pizza dough yet, you're missing out. I've been wanting to give a handmade version a spin, but they've given me good reason to continue procrastinating. It cuts out the difficulty of kneading and rising while still making you feel as if it is homemade.

Plus, it is SO cheap!

(And, no, they are not sponsoring this post...I'm just so head-over-heels for this dough, I couldn't keep it a secret!)

At our local Trader Joe's, it comes in three flavors plain, wheat, or herb. I usually buy the herb version. Although, I warn you: if you show up later in the day, it might be gone. Others have discovered its greatness.

Be sure to follow the directions about allowing it to sit outside the bag for at least 15 minutes before attempting to roll it out. If it is still cold, it will be difficult to stretch. I typically roll it a bit on the counter with a fistful of flour to prevent sticking, then pick it up, tossing, spinning, and stretching until it fits on the pizza pan.

If you are using a pizza stone, cover it with a generous amount of cornmeal. This is vital. I didn't do this the first time and I couldn't get the pizza to come off the stone for the life of me. Bonus: it gives your crust a nice crunch.

Steve graciously named this one for me... :)

 Goodness Pizza

1 herb pizza crust

3/4 c. simple basil pesto

2 c. mozzarella cheese, grated

1/2 red bell pepper, cut into thin slices

2 sun-dried tomato chicken sausages, cut into thin slices (I used Trader Joe's brand)

10 sun-dried tomatoes, cut in half

1/3 c. crumbled goat cheese

Roll out pizza crust. Spread pesto completely over top of crust. Sprinkle with cheese, red bell pepper, chicken sausages, sun-dried tomatoes, and goat cheese.

Bake according to dough instructions.

Simple Basil Pesto

'Necessity is the mother of invention.'

It is true. Believe every word of it.

Faced with a blank slate pizza crust.

Fresh out of tomato sauce. Fresh out of tomatoes for sauce.

Fresh out of alfredo. Fresh out of cheese for alfredo.

Fresh out of pesto.

But.

An ample supply of fresh basil sitting in my fridge, moving swiftly towards extinction. 

Perfect, just perfect.

P.S. Pine nuts with an expiration date of February 2009.... Walnuts will do. Oh yes. They will. (Next up: Spring cleaning of the nut cupboard.)

Simple Basil Pesto

4 large handfuls of basil leaves

3 cloves of garlic, cut into small pieces

1/4 c. shredded parmesan cheese

4 T. olive oil, more if needed

1/4 c. chopped walnuts

Place all ingredients in a food processor or blender. (If using a blender, it will be necessary to scrape down every few spins to ensure ingredients are meeting the blade.)

Add extra olive oil if using for a pasta dish. Or use as a spread on your favorite pizza or sandwich.