30-Minute Meals: California-Inspired Veggie Pizza
I don’t know about you, but I can never eat enough pizza! I’m not talking about your typical, run-of-the-mill cheese pizza either, I’m talking about pizza with creative ingredients and tasty flavors. Don’t get me wrong, I love a big slice of pepperoni pizza from time-to-time, but what I really enjoy are homemade pizzas that feature fresh ingredients. This quick pizza recipe is extremely versatile, and will allow you to substitute toppings depending on what your family likes.
When the weather starts to get nicer and things like tomatoes and avocado are in season around the country, there is nothing better to me than a California-Inspired Veggie Pizza! This pizza is a great way to get your kids to eat their veggies, and this recipe is simple enough that kids can get their hands dirty and join you in the kitchen! This recipe has shortcuts to save time, as well as special touches–feel free to customize it to your cooking style!
I found the original recipe here, and below is my adapted version.
California-Inspired Veggie Pizza
Ingredients:
1 package ready-made pizza crust, such as Boboli
1-10 oz. container of Stonemill Kitchens Artichoke Parmesan Dip
1 bag baby spinach, pre-washed
1 large avocado
2 large vine-ripened tomatoes
Handful of fresh basil leaves
Kosher salt and fresh-ground pepper
2 Tbs. olive oil, for brushing
Directions:
Step 1) Remove the pizza crust from the package, and brush the “top side” with 2 Tbs. olive oil. Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 425F.
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Step 2) Using a rubber-tipped spatula, spread a generous layer of the Stonemill Kitchens Artichoke Parmesan Dip on top of the crust, leaving approximately half an inch of space all the way around. (this step is a great time to get your kids involved)
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Step 3) Slice the tomatoes into 1/2″ thick slices and spread over the artichoke Parmesan dip. Put pizza into the oven for 10 minutes, or until the dip is bubbling and the tomatoes are softened. Remove from oven, and top with a generous pile of spinach. Keep in mind, the spinach will cook down by about 75% in the oven, so be sure to pile it on! Cook the pizza until the dough is firm and crisp–about 10-15 minutes.
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Step 4) Slice the avocado in half lengthwise, remove the pit, and slice into one inch pieces. Top the cooling pizza with the avocado slices, fresh basil leaves (have your kids help you tear the leaves into smaller pieces), and salt & pepper. Feel free to add a few dollops of the extra artichoke Parmesan dip! Cut into slices and enjoy!
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***Make it special tip: Grill the pizza crust before you put the toppings on, it will give a gourmet look that will impress your friends and family! Brush both sides with olive oil, and place onto a hot grill. Cook each side for 2-3 minutes, then turn over. Follow steps 2-4 to finish the pizza!
Posted by Lacey
Wow Your Dad this Father’s Day with Shepherd’s Pie!
My Dad and I both love food, and I want to make him something new and different this Father’s Day. I am combining his love for food and beer with this Potato, Sausage, and Guinness Shepherd’s Pie! Now, I know what you’re thinking, Shepherd’s pie is really difficult to make, but this recipe has some shortcuts that will save you time and energy in the kitchen. Feel free to add or subtract ingredients based on your Dad’s taste buds, but this recipe has a little something for everyone! I also like the time-saving element of using Reser’s Scalloped Potatoes, because I know I won’t have the time to make my own! Cooking is a passion of mine, but even I can use the extra help of a pre-made item every now and then, especially when it tastes homemade like Reser’s Scalloped Potatoes do.
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Potato, Sausage, and Guinness Shepherd’s Pie
- 4 tbs. butter, unsalted
- 6 oz pork sausage, cooked and diced *****
- 1/2 yellow onion, peeled and diced
- 1 ea. carrot, parsnip, and turnip, peeled and diced ***
* - 1/2 tsp. thyme leaves, dried
- 1/2 tbs. Kosher salt
- 1/2 tsp. black pepper, ground
- 2 cups chicken stock
- 3/4 cup Guinness stout
- 1/4 cup flour, all purpose
- 1 tbs. brown deli mustard
- 2 tbs. corn starch
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 20 oz. trays of Reser’s Scalloped Potatoes
Method
- Preheat oven to 350 F
- Melt butter w/sausage in heavy bottomed saucepan and cook for 2 minutes
- Add onion and cook 2 more minutes over medium heat until softened
- Add root vegetables and spices and continue cooking while stirring (without browning)
- Add flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly
- Add chicken stock and whisk together completely
- Cook on low simmer, stirring often for 12-15 minutes, until thickened
- Whisk Guinness, mustard, and cornstarch together in a small bowl until cornstarch is dissolved, then whisk into vegetable base mixture
- Cook 5 more minutes on low while stirring
- Remove from heat and spray a 9X13″ pan with cooking spray
- Take the scalloped potatoes out of the trays and flatten to the shape of the pan between pieces of wax or parchment paper
- Fill the pan with stew base, evenly spread out
- Top with scalloped potatoes and cheese and bake for 30-35 minutes until thoroughly browned and bubbly
***sfsd
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First top with Reser’s Potatoes…. then cover with shredded cheddar and pop into the oven!
Let cool uncovered for 5 minutes before serving
Enjoy! This meal serves 4-6.
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This amazing recipe was created by Sean Dwigans, one of our talented Product Development Chefs!
Posted by Lacey
Contest Crazy! Another Chance To Win….
Grilling this weekend? Post a photo or video and WIN a Weber Grill
Reser’s and Pork Barrel BBQ have teamed up to offer 3 lucky winners a BBQ Bonanza prize pack featuring a Weber grill. We want to see you in grilling action with our products this weekend!
View the 0 comment(s) on "Contest Crazy! Another Chance To Win…." and leave your own comment.
Posted by Lacey
Share your BBQ Tips and Tricks for a chance to win!
Are you a BBQ aficionado? As the weather heats up, so will the grills, and Reser’s wants to help two lucky winners host a great Memorial Day BBQ! We want to know your tips to hosting the perfect BBQ, and two winners will be randomly selected to win the ultimate BBQ Basket! Simply post your tips in the comments section of our blog, or on our Facebook page to enter.
Two winners will receive a BBQ Basket filled with these great items:
- Reser’s American Classics Cole Slaw
- Reser’s American Classics Potato Salad
- Stonemill Kitchens Artichoke Jalapeño Dip
- Reser’s Baja Cafe Salsa
- Reser’s Rainbow Parfait
- Reser’s Baked Beans
- 4 Beverage Coozies
- BBQ Tongs
- 1 Apron
- 1 Hot Mitt
- Bamboo Skewers
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Entries must be made by Monday, May 23rd to be valid for this contest. The two winners will be announced on Tuesday, May 24th before noon Pacific Standard Time. Keep an eye on Facebook, Twitter, and the Blog for the names of the two winners. Good Luck!
Posted by Lacey
About This Blog
Hi, I'm Lacey Werner. I write Fun Times Made Easy, a blog that helps people enjoy delicious food with friends and family without spending long, laborious hours in the kitchen.
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