Sausage, Red Pepper, Mushroom and Cheese Pizza

I have posted non-traditional pizzas but for those of you who prefer a “standard pizza” you’ll love this pizza with Sausage, Red Bell Pepper, mushrooms and extra cheese (this was Tim’s pick).  Once you make pizza at home you’ll never want to order take out pizza again!  It is ridiculously easy to make, especially if you have a food processor.  It literally takes the food processor less than 5 minutes to “make” the pizza dough and then the dough “rests”.   What could be easier?  The following recipe is a recipe I use for pizza dough using a food processor.  I’m sure it can be made by hand as well for those of you who like the “experience” of kneading the dough.  I’ve heard so many talk about the love of working the dough with their hands and enjoying it so much.  I never found much enjoyment in kneading dough – only icky sticky doughy fingers and hands!

Pizza Dough (Makes 2 large pizzas)

Ingredients:

• 1 package dry yeast
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1-1/4 cups warm water (105-115 degrees F)
• 3-1/3 cups unbleached all-purpose flour
• 1-1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
• 3 teaspoons extra virgin olive oil

In a 2-cup liquid measure, dissolve yeast and sugar in warm water.  Let stand until foamy, about 3 to 5 minutes.  Insert dough blade and add flour, salt and 2 teaspoons olive oil.

With machine running on dough speed, pour liquid through small feed tube as fast as flour will absorb it.  Process until dough cleans sides of work bowl and forms a ball.  Then process for 30 seconds to knead dough.  Dough may be slightly sticky.  Coat dough evenly with 2 teaspoons olive oil; transfer to a plastic food storage bag and seal the top.  Let rise in a warm place for about 45 minutes.  While dough is rising, prepare any pizza toppings.

Place dough on lightly floured surface and punch down (this is the fun part).  Roll into desired crust size and follow pizza recipe.

To Make the Pizza:

• Brown 1/2 lb sausage and drain fat
• I Red Bell Pepper – Chopped into small pieces
• Mushrooms, sliced thin
• 2 Cups shredded Mozzarella Cheese
• Pizza Sauce (Homemade or store-bought will work)

Shape your dough, using a pizza pan, creating a small rim around the outside.  Spread a small amount of pizza sauce on your dough, followed by the cooked sausage, red bell pepper sliced mushrooms and finally top with mozzarella cheese.

Bake in a pre-heated 425 degree oven for approximately 20 minutes until cheese is lightly browned and bubbly.

Enjoy!

Stir Fry Snow Peas and Mushrooms – Keeping it Healthy & Vacation Memories

I’m back after 11 days of vacation in Fort Myers Beach, Florida.  It was hard to leave, it is always difficult for me to leave as the beach is my favorite place to be.  I spent each early morning walking the beach, taking photos and looking for shells. During our morning walks we saw dolphins, manatees, stingrays and a variety of birds.  The days in the sun and surf went like the speed of lightning and before I knew it our 11 days were gone!  Reality hit me in the face this morning as I got up and got ready to face the work week.  My body is here, but my mind and spirit are still at the beach, walking along the gulf, finding beautiful shells, swimming, watching sunsets and eating delicious seafood!

Come walk with me and catch a glimpse of what I saw on my beach walks!

Roseate Spoonbill

Young Roseate Spoonbill

We discovered a superb new restaurant that just opened in March of this year in Fort Myers beach.  Fresh Catch Bistro is directly on the beach and is a much-needed restaurant for Fort Myers Beach!  The food and presentation are incredible as well as the service, and the view can’t be beat!  If you are in the area be sure not to miss it!

Already I’m missing fresh seafood and the gourmet fare of Fresh Catch Bistro!  I way over-ate on vacation … so it’s time to start eating healthier again and what better way to start out then to make some veggies!  I love vegetables, I crave vegetables and this is one recipe that is easy, healthy and delicious.  Enjoy!

Stir Fry Snow Peas and Mushrooms

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 pound snow peas
• Red Pepper, sliced thin
• 4 ounces fresh mushrooms, thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons teriyaki sauce

Directions

1. In a medium skillet over medium heat, cook the sesame seeds about 5 minutes, stirring frequently, until lightly browned. Remove from heat, and set aside.
2. Heat oil in the skillet over medium high heat. Stir in snow peas, red peppers and mushrooms, and cook 3 to 4 minutes, until tender.
3. Transfer snow peas and mushrooms to a medium bowl. Toss with sesame seeds and teriyaki sauce, and serve warm.

Source:  Allrecipes.com

Thai Chicken Basil Stir Fry

I’ve made this quite a few times.  It is quick enough to prepare during the week and is healthy and delicious.  Make it even healthier by using Brown Jasmine Rice.  Enjoy!

Ingredients

• 2 cups uncooked jasmine rice
• 1 quart water
• 3/4 cup coconut milk
• 3 tablespoons soy sauce
• 3 tablespoons rice wine vinegar
• 1 1/2 tablespoons fish sauce
• 3/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion, sliced
• 2 tablespoons fresh ginger root, minced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 pounds skinless, boneless chicken breast halves – cut into 1/2 inch strips
• 3 shiitake mushrooms, sliced
• 5 green onions, chopped
• 1 1/2 cups chopped fresh basil leaves

 Directions

1. Bring rice and water to a boil in a pot. Cover, reduce heat to low, and simmer 20 minutes.
2. In a bowl, mix the coconut milk, soy sauce, rice wine vinegar, fish sauce, and red pepper flakes.
3. In a skillet or wok, heat the oil over medium-high heat. Stir in the onion, ginger, and garlic, and cook until lightly browned. Mix in chicken strips, and cook about 3 minutes, until browned. Stir in the coconut milk sauce. Continue cooking until sauce is reduced be about 1/3. Mix in mushrooms, green onions, and basil, and cook until heated through. Serve over the cooked rice.