Cold Veggie Pizza

Summer is upon us which means lots of fresh veggies.  Woo Hoo!

One of my favorite “gadgets” is my bread maker. Not only does it make great breads but it makes amazing pizza crusts.  I follow the basic pizza recipe from Beth Hensperger: The Bread Lover’s Bread Machine Cookbook.

My Favorite Bread Machine Book
Once the dough is made, baked and cooled I added the following.

“Sauce” (Spread)

  • 4oz Cream Cheese
  • 4oz Boursin Cheese (either garlic herb or shallot herb)
  • 1/4 Cup Sour Cream
  • 1/4 Tsp Minced Dehydrated Garlic (or 1 clove minced)
  • 1/8 Cup Finely Grated Sharp Cheddar Cheese
  • Fresh Cracked Pepper to Taste

Cream room temperate cheeses, then add remaining ingredients.

Spread on cooled pizza crust.

Veggies: Approximately 1/8 to  1/4 Cup each – diced in tiny bite sized pieces

  • Cauliflower – Purple, Orange, White
  • Broccoli
  • Radishes
  • Carrots – Yellow
  • 1 cob of corn – roasted over a flame, then cut off cob
  • Tomato

(Go crazy with the veggies – add all your favorites – or just what you have on hand)

Once veggies are cut and ready do a quick sauté (everything but the tomato) in a hint of sunflower oil or EVVO. Just enough that you do not loose color and they just beginning to cook. Al dente would be a good description. Be sure to add some seasoning.  Salt, pepper, garlic.  Anything but bland. Let cool or the spread will melt.

Sprinkle the cooled veggies on top of the spread, press lightly but firmly (this will limit the “roll off” when cutting and eating the slices)

Top with additional cheese:

  • 1/8 Cup Finely Grated Sharp Cheddar Cheese

Then the tomatoes.

Cold Veggie Pizza
Enjoy.

 

Old Fashioned Hand Mixer Still the Best for Homemade Whip Cream

Last month my husband and I were having a dinner party with friends.  I decided that dessert (ice cream and berries) needed a Homemade Vanilla Chantilly Cream (aka: Whipped Cream).  So I looked at the recipes that I had then dug out  my “Old-Faithful-Hand-Mixer”.  Which, by the way still works like a champ!

My “Old Faithful” Hand Mixer

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Friday Fish Fry and a Big Bowl of Fantastic Clam Chowder

The Flying Hound – Fitchburg WI – 6317 McKee Rd

My husband and I have had our fair share of clam chowder and this one is hands down our favorite. Rivals most East Coast restaurants. Creamy consistency, perfect sized potatoes and the best part? …WHOLE CLAMS.

Go on Friday for crispy breaded cod or the grilled Canadian Walleye and a big bowl of clam chowder!

Grilled Canadian Walleye

(Previously Posted to Trip Advisor)

A New England Lobster Roll in Las Vegas? … Yup!

Lobster ME – Las Vegas, NV – Grand Canal Shoppes at the Venetian

During my last trip to Vegas, while my husband was busy with a work function, I wanted a satisfying meal, but didn’t want all the fuss of a sit down restaurant. Walk up counter service sounded perfect. Since I was in close proximity-off I went to the Grand Canal Shoppes (food court area) at the Venetian Resort.

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Lemon Ricotta Pancakes – Served All Day Every Day

Bassett Street Brunch Club – Madison, WI – 444 W Johnson St

Wanted a relaxing breakfast before starting a hectic weekday, so I headed to BSBC downtown.

Ordered coffee (they serve Collectivo) and the lemon ricotta pancakes from the Sweet Stuff portion of the menu…. Delicious!

Lemon Ricotta Pancakes

Menu said “light and fluffy” they did not disappoint. Topped with blueberry compote that would make an awesome pie filling in and of itself and a scoop of sweet whipped ricotta.

The waiter automatically brought syrup, I barely used it.

Waiter was attentive and kept my coffee cup full. He even offered a to go cup. Which is always a pleasant little perk.

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