Mozarella Cheese

You can't go wrong with mozzarella...especially on pizza.

Oregano

This is considered the "pizza herb" for obvious reasons.

I think this is one of the first herbs I learned as a kid because it topped one of my favorite foods.

Thinking Outside the Pizza Box

Here it is Monday again and I find myself entering my fifth challenge to Project Food Blog. Wow! I'm still in amazement and thanking all of you for supporting me.

This week our challenge is to put a new spin on pizza. You can see my post here. Don't forget to vote (not necessarily for me...but for all your favorite food bloggers. There are so many neat pizza recipes to check out).

Here is one of my favorite images of pizza that I drew way back in early 2009:

Pizza :: see original post here

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PFB Challenge #5: Recipe Remix

New ideas evolve from the combination of two or more existing ideas. This is true in cooking, design, art, and any area involving problem solving. Today's challenge was the perfect way to show this formula. To "think outside the pizza box" I made a list of my favorite recipes then chose those that would combine well with the pizza ideal (base, sauce, topping).

Below are three of the results. I've listed ingredients that you can just pick up at the grocery store...or if you're ambitious use a special recipe for individual ingredients.

Cucumber Salad Pizza

This recipe remix evolved from one of my favorite summer snacks...marinated cucumbers on hummus and toast. To make the cucumber salad...mix cucumber slices with equal amounts of oil and vinegar, chopped onion, plus salt and pepper (all to taste). Let sit in refrigerator a couple of hours to chill.

Prepare a flaky crust (croissant dough would be perfect). Once baked (and cooled) spread on hummus (plain or roasted red pepper), then top with cucumber mixture (drain liquid first) and additional chopped red pepper. A special touch...sprinkle feta cheese on top.

Huervos Rancheros Pizza

I love eggs and Mexican food...so huervos rancheros is a great initial combination, but then turn it into a pizza and wa-la! Prepare a pizza crust. Once baked, add layer of refried beans. Top with a verde sauce, chopped onions and jalapeño peppers. To finish this pizza add a layer of sunny-side up eggs. Place back in oven long enough to warm toppings up (about 15-20 minutes at 425 degrees). Serve with guacomole and/or sour cream.

Peanut Butter and Jelly Pizza

PB&J is a staple in our house. Why not turn it into a dessert pizza? Prepare a whole wheat dough. Once baked, topped with a 50/50 mixture of cream cheese and peanutbutter. Top with strawberry jelly, then sliced strawberries. Serve with a tall glass of cold milk.

Here are some additional pizza ideas to try...

Pizza

Its probably no surprise that my kids love pizza. Whenever we pop one in the oven its like we're having a big party. They get so excited and eat way more than they probably should. I'm not sure how they get so much in such small bellies.

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