Monday, June 28, 2010

Easy Peasy Pizza


I'm back! It's been a long long time since I've shared my cooking adventures and due to popular demand (ok my 3 followers), I have returned! Don't worry, just because it wasn't posted here, doesn't mean the cooking has stopped! The hubster and I finally bought a house... meaning there's ample counter space for happiness to occur :)
So I have a love-hate relationship with Sundays... on one hand, *sigh* it's a great day off... hardly ever have plans, do my errands, lounge on the couch, catch up with my 2nd love (the hubster being my first)... my DVR (I love reality competition shows and ABC Summer Season). But at the same time, Sunday means that Monday is just around the corner... I think of the laundry list of things I meant to get done but just didn't quite make it... eh, I technically still 3 more days to return that impulse buy before the 30 days is up :) Really the last thing I want to do after a weekend of play time is spend the last wee moments of my weekend in the kitchen.


So I came up with this super quick and easy (and so super yummy) pizza pie... It has a great balance of oozy cheese and your veggies... Fondue lovers beware... you may fall in love all over again ;)


What you need:

  • pizza crust (I cheated and bought the ready made kind)

Cheese Sauce


  • 2.5 tbsp of margarine

  • 2.5 tbsp of flour

  • 1.5 cups of milk (this may vary)

  • 2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese

  • garlic powder

  • pepper

Toppings



  • red crushed pepper

  • broccoli

  • sun-dried tomatoes

  • chicken - seasoned and cubed (optional - I put this on my husband's half)

  • Morning Star "Chik'n Strips" - seasoned and cubed (optional - I put this on my half)

  • EVOO

  • Grill seasoning

The "How To" -



  1. Pre-heat oven to 350

  2. You'll start off by making a basic roux. Melt the butter over low heat. Slowly sift the flour in and whisk it all together. You'll have some buttery balls when it's combined together. Let this cook for about 45 seconds (otherwise your cheese sauce will have a chalky taste)

  3. Slowly add in the milk and whisk like you've never whisked before. I initially take the pot off the eat because the first few tbsps of milk just evaporate... keep adding and whisking until all you have a creamy, thick consistency (your milk will vary at this point)

  4. Add in your cheese, one handful at a time. I turn off the heat for this because if your roux is too hot, your cheese can curd (this usually happens with cheddar cheese but still). Once the first handful is incorporated, put back on the eat and don't forget to keep whisking! If it's too thick, add some milk and this will help loosen it up.

  5. Moving on to the chicken and/or tofu strips. Season them with grill seasoning and heat up 2 tbsp (about 2 turns of the pan) of EVOO. Place strips in and cook until chicken is done or the strips have a nice light golden color

  6. Now the fun part! The assembly! Place your pizza crust in a baking pan or pizza stone. Sprinkle red crushed pepper flakes on your pizza crust, spread broccoli, sun-dried tomatoes and the cubes of meat on the pizza

  7. Pour cheese sauce on top! Ooey-gooey goodness gracious! Yum! (Be careful not to go over-board like I did b/c it well make your crust smooshy)

  8. Place in over for about 15-20 minutes

Any left over the cheese sauce can be used for a fun fondue night or as a spread... but really? Do you need an excuse to just eat cheese? Go ahead.. grab a spoon and eat it out of the pot... No one is judging you :)