Aren’t we lucky? Mmmmm. Lasagne for a Daring Bakers Challenge??
Um, thank you!!

I’ve made lasagne, I’ve even made pasta before but, as all of the Daring Bakers challenges, I try to follow the recipe given.

…And  I did, until I got to the ragu. The veal and pork is out in this house, but still wanting to keep close-ish to the recipe, I chose lamb. While it’s not somthing that typically finds it’s way into my possession either, I still knew that with these challenges, I usually end up cooking it for others. Combined with a little rosemary, I thought  it would be a sure hit.

The pasta, I tried to keep as close to the original as possible. My first drawback was the suggested counter space required. Since that is certainly lacking in my kitchen, I surrendered to my stand mixer. I’ve since read most of us Daring Bakers added a little more moisture, I was relieved  to know I wasn’t the only one, as it took four eggs for my dough to come together.

Rested and ready, I divided and conquered, the dough that is. Remember that small counter? We’ll, I had to go old school with a rolling pin, so the smaller the dough the better. Either way, I was glad I did. I couldn’t imagine any more dough to work with at a time. Rolling out my divided pinches, kept me in charge and my dough manageable and thin. As it was, it made more than enough for two lasagnas and a batch of farfalle scraps with a spoon of the béchamel for lunch.

The March 2009 challenge is hosted by Mary of Beans and Caviar, Melinda of Melbourne Larder and Enza of Io Da Grande. They have chosen Lasagne of Emilia-Romagna from The Splendid Table by Lynne Rossetto Kasper as the challenge.

For more lasagne dishes, check out Daring Bakers Blogroll. Then, go see the brand new web site: The Daring Kitchen!

Lasagne of Emilia-Romagna
Serves 8-10

Spinach Egg Pasta (Pasta Verde)
• 2 jumbo eggs (I needed 4)
• 6 ounces (170g) Frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed of excess liquid
• 3 ½ cups unbleached all purpose flour

Béchamel Sauce
• 4 Tablespoons butter
• 4 Tablespoons unbleached all purpose flour
• 2 2/3 cups milk
• Salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste
• Freshly grated nutmeg, to taste

Ragu
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 large onion, finely diced
• 1 carrot, peeled & finely diced
• 1 stalk celery, finely diced
• 500g ground lamb
• 3 x 400g cans chopped tomatoes
• 2/3 cup dry red wine
• 2 teaspoons finely chopped rosemary
• 1 1/2 Cups chicken broth
• 2 cups Milk

To make the ragu, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large sauté pan.
Add the onion, carrot and celery and fry, stirring, until slightly browned.
Add the ground lamb and continue to cook until mince is well browned. Transfer to a large saucepan.
Set the saucepan over the heat, add the wine and reduce by half.
Pouring 1/2 Cup at a time, add the stock, cooking slowly, until evaporated. Stir in the last 1/2 Cup of stock, along with the milk, reduce the heat to a low simmer (otherwise the milk could curdle). Cover and cook for about an hour, stirring regularly.
Next add the tomatoes and rosemary. Turn the heat to low and simmer for 2-3 hours.
To make the pasta, add 3 cups of the flour to your stand mixer. Add the eggs (start with the initial two) and spinach to a food processor to finely combine. Add the spinach mixture to the flour and with the dough attachment, mix on low to combine. You will probably need to stop once and a while to feel how the dough is coming together. If it’s dry, add the next egg, wet, some of the remaining flour. Once it has formed into a ball and is manageable, transfer it to a barely floured work surface to knead for a minute or two until the dough becomes smooth, satiny and very elastic. Cover it tightly or wrap it in plastic to let it relax for 30 minutes – 3 hrs (although I ended up not getting to mine until after about 12hrs and it was o.k.)
Divide the dough in quarters, and re-wrap the rest to prevent it from drying out. With a rolling pin, roll the dough into a rectangular shape.  Continue rolling and slightly dusting the dough as you occasionally flip it over. Once ready, the dough will be quite thin and the rectangle about 10″x15″ (approx). Trim the edges to make an even rectangle and slice into about 4″ wide strips.
Repeat with remaining dough, and either use immediately or dry at room temperature and store in a sealed container or plastic bag for 1 day.

To make the béchamel sauce, melt the butter in a medium sized saucepan over medium heat. Sift in the flour and whisk until smooth, stirring without stopping for at least one minute. Whisk in the milk a little at a time. Bring to a slow simmer, and stir for 3-4 minutes or until the sauce thickens. Season with salt, pepper and a hint of nutmeg.

To assemble the lasagne, have all ingredients on hand. Including 1 Cup of shredded parmigano cheese (I also mixed it with mozzarella).
Preheat the oven to 180ºC (350ºF).
Boil the pasta in batches until barely al dente. Remove and lightly oil if layering more of the cooked pasta on top before using.
In a glass 9×12 or other suitable lasagne pan, layer the ingredients repeating in this order – béchamel, pasta sheets, ragu, shredded cheese.
For the middle layer, I added thinly sliced crimini mushrooms over the ragu, then finished with a layer of pasta, béchamel and remaining cheese.
Cover the baking dish with foil, taking care not to let it touch the top of the lasagne. Bake for 40 minutes or until almost heated through. Remove the foil and bake for another 10 minutes to lightly brown the cheese. When cooked, turn the oven off and let the lasagne rest inside for a further 10 minutes, then serve.
This is not a solid lasagne but one that slips a bit when cut and served.

It’s not like finding something to eat has ever been a problem before. However, I’m finding it out now, more than ever since starting the Detox of ‘09 that it’s just far too easy just to reach for a bag of pasta or a potato when setting in on the evening rush to the dinner table.

In the nights leading up to do the detox, I was seriously up at night, drawing blanks on what to make for dinner – and for me, yes me, this is hard. I’m a risotto and hash type of girl. I can whip it up with the best of them and there I laid, completely in the dark about what to make for a simple meal.

My late night insomnia helped a bit, I suppose. Readied with pen in hand, I still came up empty so I ventured into the kitchen. Since wheat’s off the menu, I couldn’t start a bread dough for breakfast or some other crazy idea for dinner, so I cleaned instead.

This cleansing business might actually be very good.

As I tossed out old macaroni and cheese and cleaned the last of the gingerbread from the cookie jar, I felt compelled to get shopping. Sure my cupboards were bare, but inspiration began on what to fill them with again.

Having a list of restrictions leaves one thinking *constantly* on what is left. With that, I left for the grocery store and a blank canvas, or so to speak. Passing the items I wasn’t allowed, I was determined to fill my basket with what was. In some cases that included staples but most often I found myself reaching for some items I have probably walked by time and time again.

Have I really become so predictable?

Suddenly what I’d been dreading became a muse for creativity. Restrictions were guideposts reminding me why I enjoyed cooking in the first place. In an instant, these new combinations and curiosities were replacing the not knowing what to cook moments in the past, which now seemed purely out of boredom.

Even now, in the dead of winter, food is exciting again.

One can never tire of pizza.

As weekly addicts, Thursday is our pizza night. For at least the past few years we have yet to miss a day.
We’ve ordered in and done the store bought frozen but we’ve always ended up returning to my own dough.

Not only is making your own just better, it’s fun. Lay out the ingredients and it makes for a party and, in this case it was a fabulous way to use up some Thanksgiving leftovers.

I’ve heard of about a million things that people have put on pizzas from Cheetos to dessert, but this, I have not, nor tried.

Canadian Thanksgiving is the second Monday in October leaving my third day of leftovers perfect for pizza.

Besides the fact that this dough is an overnight affair, it’s well worth the wait time. The dough is crispy with the perfect amount of yeastiness and is oh so forgiving when a uncommitted tosser like me, throws it up in the air.

A nice change from the hot sandwiches and pot pies we could have just had in our future, I topped our weekly za with the four local cheddar smatterings of our cheese platter, butternut squash, spinach and of course, turkey. (Just to complete, I dotted cranberry sauce for serving.)
I must say, this was one of the tastiest leftover dinners we’ve endured.

Hosted by Rosa, she dedicated this month’s challenge to Sher, of What Did You Eat?, a blogger and fellow Daring Baker, who passed away last July.
As I celebrated this tradition with my family, be certain, I had plenty to be thankful for.

Recipe:

~ BASIC PIZZA DOUGH ~
Original recipe taken from “The Bread Baker’s Apprentice” by Peter Reinhart.

Makes 6 pizza crusts (about 9-12 inches/23-30 cm in diameter).

Ingredients:
4 1/2 Cups (20 1/4 ounces/607.5 g) Unbleached high-gluten (%14) bread flour or all purpose flour, chilled – FOR GF: 4 ½ cups GF Flour Blend with xanthan gum or 1 cup brown rice flour, 1 cup corn flour, 1 cup oat flour, 1 ½ cup arrowroot, potato or tapioca starch + 2 tsp xanthan or guar gum
1 3/4 Tsp Salt
1 Tsp Instant yeast – FOR GF use 2 tsp
1/4 Cup (2 ounces/60g) Olive oil or vegetable oil (both optional, but it’s better with)
1 3/4 Cups (14 ounces/420g or 420ml) Water, ice cold (40° F/4.5° C)
1 Tb sugar – FOR GF use agave syrup
Semolina/durum flour or cornmeal for dusting

DAY ONE

Method:
1. Mix together the flour, salt and instant yeast in a big bowl (or in the bowl of your stand mixer).

2. Add the oil, sugar and cold water and mix well (with the help of a large wooden spoon or with the paddle attachment, on low speed) in order to form a sticky ball of dough. On a clean surface, knead for about 5-7 minutes, until the dough is smooth and the ingredients are homogeneously distributed. If it is too wet, add a little flour (not too much, though) and if it is too dry add 1 or 2 teaspoons extra water.

NOTE: If you are using an electric mixer, switch to the dough hook and mix on medium speed for the same amount of time.The dough should clear the sides of the bowl but stick to the bottom of the bowl. If the dough is too wet, sprinkle in a little more flour, so that it clears the sides. If, on the contrary, it clears the bottom of the bowl, dribble in a teaspoon or two of cold water.
The finished dough should be springy, elastic, and sticky, not just tacky, and register 50°-55° F/10°-13° C.

Or

2.  FOR GF: Add the oil, sugar or agave syrup and cold water, then mix well (with the help of a large wooden spoon or with the paddle attachment, on low speed) in order to form a sticky ball of dough.

3. Flour a work surface or counter.  Line a jelly pan with baking paper/parchment. Lightly oil the paper.

4. With the help of a metal or plastic dough scraper, cut the dough into 6 equal pieces (or larger if you want to make larger pizzas).

NOTE: To avoid the dough from sticking to the scraper, dip the scraper into water between cuts.

5. Sprinkle some flour over the dough. Make sure your hands are dry and then flour them.  Gently round each piece into a ball.

NOTE: If the dough sticks to your hands, then dip your hands into the flour again.

6. Transfer the dough balls to the lined jelly pan and mist them generously with spray oil. Slip the pan into plastic bag or enclose in plastic food wrap.

7. Put the pan into the refrigerator and let the dough rest overnight or for up to thee days.

NOTE: You can store the dough balls in a zippered freezer bag if you want to save some of the dough for any future baking. In that case, pour some oil(a few tablespooons only) in a medium bowl and dip each dough ball into the oil, so that it is completely covered in oil. Then put each ball into a separate bag. Store the bags in the freezer for no longer than 3 months. The day before you plan to make pizza, remember to transfer the dough balls from the freezer to the refrigerator.

DAY TWO

8. On the day you plan to eat pizza, exactly 2 hours before you make it, remove the desired number of dough balls from the refrigerator. Dust the counter with flour and spray lightly with oil. Place the dough balls on a floured surface and sprinkle them with flour. Dust your hands with flour and delicately press the dough into disks about 1/2 inch/1.3 cm thick and 5 inches/12.7 cm in diameter. Sprinkle with flour and mist with oil. Loosely cover the dough rounds with plastic wrap and then allow to rest for 2 hours.

Or

8.  FOR GF:  On the day you plan to eat pizza, exactly 2 hours before you make it, remove the number of desired dough balls from the refrigerator.  Place on a sheet of parchment paper and sprinkle with a gluten free flour. Delicately press the dough into disks about ½ inch/1.3 cm thick and 5 inches/12.7 cm in diameter. Sprinkle the dough with flour, mist it again with spray oil. Lightly cover the dough round with a sheet of parchment paper and allow to rest for 2 hours.

9. At least 45 minutes before making the pizza, place a baking stone on the lower third of the oven.  Preheat the oven as hot as possible (500° F/260° C).

NOTE: If you do not have a baking stone, then use the back of a jelly pan. Do not preheat the pan.

10. Generously sprinkle the back of a jelly pan with semolina/durum flour or cornmeal. Flour your hands (palms, backs and knuckles). Take 1 piece of dough by lifting it with a pastry scraper. Lay the dough across your fists in a very delicate way and carefully stretch it by bouncing it in a circular motion on your hands, and by giving it a little stretch with each bounce. Once the dough has expanded outward, move to a full toss.

Or

10.  FOR GF: Press the dough into the shape you want (about 9-12 inches/23-30 cm in diameter – for a 6 ounces/180g piece of dough).

NOTE: Make only one pizza at a time.
During the tossing process, if the dough tends to stick to your hands, lay it down on the floured counter and reflour your hands, then continue the tossing and shaping.
In case you would be having trouble tossing the dough or if the dough never wants to expand and always springs back, let it rest for approximately 5-20 minutes in order for the gluten to relax fully,then try again.
You can also resort to using a rolling pin, although it isn’t as effective as the toss method.

11. When the dough has the shape you want (about 9-12 inches/23-30 cm in diameter – for a 6 ounces/180g piece of dough), place it on the back of the jelly pan, making sure there is enough semolina/durum flour or cornmeal to allow it to slide and not stick to the pan.

Or

11.  FOR GF: Lightly top it with sweet or savory toppings of your choice.

12. Lightly top it with sweet or savory toppings of your choice.

Or

12.  FOR GF:  Place the garnished pizza on the parchment paper onto the stone in the oven or bake directly on the jelly pan. Close the door and bake for about 5-8 minutes.

NOTE: Remember that the best pizzas are topped not too generously. No more than 3 or 4 toppings (including sauce and cheese) are sufficient.

13. Slide the garnished pizza onto the stone in the oven or bake directly on the jelly pan. Close the door and bake for abour 5-8 minutes.

Or

13.  FOR GF:  Follow the notes for this step.

NOTE: After 2 minutes baking, take a peek. For an even baking, rotate 180°.

If the top gets done before the bottom, you will need to move the stone or jelly pan to a lower shelf before the next round. On the contrary, if the bottom crisps before the cheese caramelizes, then you will need to raise the stone or pan.

14. Take the pizza out of the oven and transfer it to a cutting board or your plate. In order to allow the cheese to set a little, wait 3-5 minutes before slicing or serving.

So, here we are already in (the end of) September! After baking our hearts (and butts out of our bathing suits), the Daring Baker cake reign has ended with something not only vegan, gluten-free but super low fat as well!!
Perfect, because I can let you know what else I’ve been making – preserves and lots of them. Hardly a fresh thing can come into my kitchen with out leaving in a jar.

Being September, my latest finds at the market were glorious figs and purple peppers. The figs were met with lavender sugar and some caramelized sweet onion with rosemary and the peppers became the classic sweet – spicy jelly, only of a more spectacular hue.

This month’s challenge was chosen by Natalie and Shellyfish. The lavash crackers were quick fun and versatile; cut them into strips or break off pieces as you go. We were given suggestions for great flavor toppings of various spices or seeds which I thought was a great option for one of my halves of dough. Rosemary + Sea Salt and crushed pumpkin seeds down the middle – see versatile.
Just look at some of the other Daring Bakers dips and toppings.

This will definately on my “will bake again” list.

LAVASH CRACKERS
The Bread Baker’s Apprentice: Mastering The Art of Extraordinary Bread
Peter Reinhart.

Makes 1 sheet pan of crackers

* 1 1/2 cups (6.75 oz) unbleached bread flour or gluten free flour blend (If you use a blend without xanthan gum, add 1 tsp xanthan or guar gum to the recipe)
* 1/2 tsp (.13 oz) salt
* 1/2 tsp (.055 oz) instant yeast
* 1 Tb (.75 oz) agave syrup or sugar
* 1 Tb (.5 oz) vegetable oil
* 1/3 to 1/2 cup + 2 Tb (3 to 4 oz) water, at room temperature
* Poppy seeds, sesame seeds, paprika, cumin seeds, caraway seeds, or kosher salt for toppings

1.  In a mixing bowl, stir together the flour, salt yeast, agave, oil, and just enough water to bring everything together into a ball.  You may not need the full 1/2 cup + 2 Tb of water, but be prepared to use it all if needed.

2.  For Non Gluten Free Cracker Dough:  Sprinkle some flour on the counter and transfer the dough to the counter.  Knead for about 10 minutes, or until the ingredients are evenly distributed.  The dough should pass the windowpane test (see http://www.wikihow.com/Determine-if-Bre … ong-Enough for a discription of this) and register 77 degrees to 81 degrees Fahrenheit. The dough should be firmer than French bread dough, but not quite as firm as bagel dough (what I call medium-firm dough), satiny to the touch, not tacky, and supple enough to stretch when pulled.  Lightly oil a bowl and transfer the dough to the bowl, rolling it around to coat it with oil.  Cover the bowl with plastic wrap.

or

2.  For Gluten Free Cracker Dough:  The dough should be firmer than French bread dough, but not quite as firm as bagel dough (what I call medium-firm dough), and slightly tacky. Lightly oil a bowl and transfer the dough to the bowl, rolling it around to coat it with oil.  Cover the bowl with plastic wrap.

3. Ferment at room temperature for 90 minutes, or until the dough doubles in size. (You can also retard the dough overnight in the refrigerator immediately after kneading or mixing).

4.  For Non Gluten Free Cracker Dough:  Mist the counter lightly with spray oil and transfer the dough to the counter.  Press the dough into a square with your hand and dust the top of the dough lightly with flour.  Roll it out with a rolling pin into a paper thin sheet about 15 inches by 12 inches.  You may have to stop from time to time so that the gluten can relax.  At these times, lift the dough from the counter and wave it a little, and then lay it back down.  Cover it with a towel or plastic wrap while it relaxes.  When it is the desired thinness, let the dough relax for 5 minutes.  Line a sheet pan with baking parchment.  Carefully lift the sheet of dough and lay it on the parchment.  If it overlaps the edge of the pan, snip off the excess with scissors.

or

4.  For Gluten Free Cracker Dough: Lay out two sheets of parchment paper.  Divide the cracker dough in half and then sandwich the dough between the two sheets of parchment.  Roll out the dough until it is a paper thin sheet about 15 inches by 12 inches.  Slowly peel away the top layer of parchment paper.  Then set the bottom layer of parchment paper with the cracker dough on it onto a baking sheet.

5. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit with the oven rack on the middle shelf.  Mist the top of the dough with water and sprinkle a covering of seeds or spices on the dough (such as alternating rows of poppy seeds, sesame seeds, paprika, cumin seeds, caraway seeds, kosher or pretzel salt, etc.)  Be careful with spices and salt – a little goes a long way. If you want to precut the cracker, use a pizza cutter (rolling blade) and cut diamonds or rectangles in the dough.  You do not need to separate the pieces, as they will snap apart after baking.  If you want to make shards, bake the sheet of dough without cutting it first.

5.  Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the crackers begin to brown evenly across the top (the time will depend on how thinly and evenly you rolled the dough).

6.  When the crackers are baked, remove the pan from the oven and let them cool in the pan for about 10 minutes.  You can then snap them apart or snap off shards and serve.

I never would have thought that summer BBQ’s would match up so well with Asian inspired salads.
I’ve tested this recipe a few times now at a few outdoor gatherings and I have to tell you, it held up pretty well beside the best of potato salads.

I’ve had this rice in my pantry collection for a while, you see I have a nasty habit of food shopping. Yes, admitted, I have more varieties of grains than summer sandles, which is so goes against all that is womanly. I just can’t help it though. Who knew there were so many types of quinoa, couscous or rice to be had and to hoard?

Black, or Forbidden Rice is an Asian heirloom variety of rice that is not glutenous and is very high in fiber as well as iron. It’s Forbidden name comes from it traditionally being served to the Emperors of Ancient China, thus being restricted from common consumption. Now, of course it can be found and even trademarked by a few different rice producers, sold in popular grocers and heath food stores.

Word to the wise though, check over your rice as you would lentils for forbidden objects, like pebbles. It’s heirloom and wholesome, right down to the ground it’s grown and what can get into it.

FORBIDDEN ASIAN BLACK RICE SALAD

2 Cups Black Rice, picked over
3 Cups Water
1 Yellow Pepper, finely diced
1 Red Pepper, finely diced
1 Large Carrot or a Handful of Baby Carrots, cut into matchsticks
3 scallions (green onions), finely chopped
Handful Thai Basil, about 10 leaves chopped

DRESSING

1/4 Cup Sesame Oil
1/4 Cup Soy Sauce
1 Tablespoon Freshly Grated Ginger, about a 1 inch knub
1 Clove of Garlic, finely minced
Zest of One Orange
Juice of One Lime
3 – 4 Tablespoons Agave Nectar, or to taste depending on how sweet you like things

Combine the sesame oil, soy sauce, ginger, garlic, zest, lime juice and agave with a whisk or a hand immersion blender until smooth. Reserve.
Check the rice over for pebbles or other impurities.
Rinse the rice, then leave it to soak for about 5 minutes. Drain well and add to a large sauce pan with a tight fitting lid.
Cover the rice with the 3 cups of water and bring it to a boil, stirring occasionally.
Reduce the heat for a low simmer and cover for about 25 minutes.
Remove from the heat and leave it covered for another 5 – 10 minutes.
Fluff with a fork and transfer the cooked rice to a large mixing bowl.
Drizzle over the prepared dressing then add the diced pepper, carrot, scallions and basil.
Toss well to combine the vegetables with the rice.
Garnish with additional citrus zest or basil leaves if desired.
No need to cool. Best served at room temperature, making it a perfect summer outdoor salad.

These friendly, sweet vegetables just go together. Fresh with a splash of Asian inspired dressing, it’s crisp and sooths the summer heat

I’m guessing these would go great with these Scallion Pancakes and just about anything grilled. Give it a try.

ASIAN PEA & CARROT SALAD

1/2 Lb Snow Peas, thinly sliced lengthwise, julienne
1 Lb Baby Carrots, thinly sliced lengthwise, matchsticks
1 teaspoon Freshly Grated Ginger, peeled
4 Tablespoons Toasted Sesame Seed Oil
2 Tablespoons Rice Wine Vinegar
Pinch Sugar
Salt & Pepper to taste
2 Tablespoons Sesame seeds, black if you can find them

In a small bowl, whisk together the sesame oil, vinegar, sugar, salt and pepper.
If using regular white sesame seeds, lightly toast them in a dry pan until they just become golden over a medium-high heat. If using the black sesame seeds, you may skip this step.
Wash and thinly slice the vegetables. Toss them together in your serving bowl with your fingers to mix.
Drizzle and toss the dressing over the peas and carrots.
Sprinkle over the sesame seeds to serve.

Of course this time of year just about any spring greens from the market will be great, but baby spinach is something I always have on hand.
Where it’s not exactly your throw it together tossed salad, the onions are pretty much low maintenance to caramelize and this dressing is worth the wait.

CARAMELIZED ONION DRESSING

1 Onion, thinly sliced
1/4 Cup + 2 Tablespoons Olive Oil, divided
Pinch Salt
2 Tablespoons Balsamic Vinegar
1/4 Cup Water
1 1/2 Tablespoons Maple Syrup

Turn heat to medium. Add 2 tablespoons of the olive oil and sliced onion to a sauté pan. Once they begin to sizzle, reduce the heat to medium-low, toss and add salt.
Continue to cook, stirring occasionally, until onions are soft, sticky and golden; 20-30 minutes.
Add the balsamic vinegar and reduce slightly, about 3 minutes.
Remove from heat and cool.
Add onions along with the remaining 1/4 cup of olive oil, maple syrup and water to a blender or a food processor and blend until smooth. (If your onion was large and you find that the mixture is too thick for your liking, you can add more water about 1 tablespoon at a time to thin.)
Taste and add additional salt if desired.
Serve from a squirt bottle, if you have one

Preheat the grill to medium.
Slice 2 bartlett pears into wedges and lay onto the grill, cooking for about 1 minute.
For the fancy-schmancy grill marks, rotate the pear slices 1 quarter turn, cooking for another minute.
Flip and repeat for the other side. Pears should be hot but not cooked through.
Toss greens, adding a handful of walnuts and dried cranberries. Top with the grilled pears and drizzle over prepared dressing.

Who doesn’t like pizza? I am yet to meet a single soul who would turn down a slice….
Except when it was going to be me with the notion of no cheese.

I was always of the mindset that pizza had but one basic construction – a crust (perfect blend of thin and chewy ), sauce (very important) and cheese. – Everything on top of that is really up to an individuals discretion and craving.

That was until I had a bite of my first “real European” pizza experience. Being 15 and at the height of my pizza connesseur training, I was in the south of France on exchange. My host mother would pack my lunches complete with a little Mom note, a chocolate and something often mysterious to try; there was infrequent PB&J in Provence. While out in the countryside, our group was left to remark on the construction of Romanesque Aqueducts. Removed from any civilization able to spare me of my brown bag filled with cold and cheeseless pizza with peppers and black olives (with pits!) Starving and only armed with my Orangina, I dug in and discovered a new, old, delicious world of pizza. From that moment, my eyes were opened, my pallet was cleansed and my nose had been lifted to new a pizza snob height never known before; and I was yet to arrive in Italy!

Flashing forward 15 some odd years, when trying to capture the best vegan version, I knew that one of those important and very expected elements – cheese, would be missing. Making up for the lack of gooey dairy was actually easy and created a more flavourful pizza than I’d usually eat. The secret of a good crust is always important and the hint for vegan pizza is just to pre-bake the crust a little longer to insure the crispness and then you’re free to go to town on virtually any topping you could imagine.

Pizza for breakfast? Check out 80 Breakfasts, who is hosting HHDH. I’m sure it will be quite the round-up.

PIZZA DOUGH

1 Tablespoon Active Dry Yeast, 1 package
1 teaspoon sugar or other sweetener
3/4 Cup Warm Water
2 3/4 Cup Unbleached All Purpose Flour, or 3/4 Cup whole wheat may be substituted for a more whole grain crust
1 teaspoon Salt
2 Tablespoons Olive Oil, infused if desired*

Dissolve the yeast and the sugar in the warm water and let stand for about 10 minutes or until bubbled and frothy.
In a separate bowl or in the bowl of a stand mixer with the dough hook attached, combine 2 cups of the flour and the salt.
With the motor running, stir in the yeast mixture followed by the olive oil.
As the dough comes together, add the remaining flour as necessary to form a soft ball.
Leave the machine to knead for about 5 minutes or by hand for about 8 minutes.
Cut the dough into quarters, rolling the 4 pieces into balls.
Cover and let rest and rise for at least 30 minutes or cover with plastic and refrigerate for up to 1 or 2 days.

Preheat the oven to 425ºF and insert a pizza stone, if using.
Stretch the first ball of dough into the shape desired. If you’re going for the traditional round, I usually hum the mantra “Drive the car” , as if turning the wheel, but that’s just me.
Remove the pizza stone, or using a parchment lined baking sheet, lay the dough flat.
Bake for 2-3 minutes, remove and top with sauce, return to the oven for 2 minutes more.
Top with desired vegetables like:
Grilled eggplant, zucchini, black olives and basil
Artichokes, mushrooms and red onion
Tomatoes, basil and roasted garlic
& this one shown; Spinach, mushroom, red peppers and black olives with a garlicky roasted red pepper and caper sauce and a drizzle of olive oil on top.
Continue to bake for 10 – 12 minutes or until the crust is golden and crisp and the vegetables are soft and hot.

OVEN ROASTED GARLIC AND RED PEPPER SAUCE

4 Roasted Red Peppers
2 Tablespoons Capers, about 40
1 Head of Roasted Garlic, about 8 cloves
1/8 teaspoon Freshly Ground Black Pepper
1 Tablespoon Olive Oil

Finely mince or purée all in a food processor until smooth.
Allow the sauce to rest while you make the dough.
Spoon over stretched dough.
Will cover about four 8″ pizzas.

* To infuse oil, heat 1 cup of olive oil and add either 2 cloves of peeled, smashed garlic and let simmer for about 10 minutes or
Warm the oil and either add rosemary or basil which has been been bruised with the back of a knife. Let the oil cool and strain before using.

After a few email and requests to bake another batch, I wanted to jot down this easy recipe for a super savoury quick bread.

I’d served these up with the Creamless Potato Leek Soup a little while back but I’m sure that they’d also be great as a muffin with a salad. The flavour combination goes really well with one another and isn’t overpowering. These easily complement a simpler fare, heightening it to something a little more special. But then again, don’t most baked goods?

Very light, tender and flavourful… plus a bit addictive, especially in their petite portion sizes.

ROSEMARY WALNUT KALAMATA OLIVE MADELEINES

1 Cup Unbleached All Purpose Flour, plus some for dusting
1/2 Cup Whole Wheat Flour
1/2 teaspoon Salt
1/2 teaspoon Baking Soda
1/2 Cups Water
1 Tablespoon Apple Cider Vinegar
3 Tablespoons Olive Oil
1 1/2 teaspoons Rosemary, very finely chopped
1/4 Cup Kalamata Olives; about 10, pitted and finely chopped
1/2 Cup Walnuts, chopped

Preheat the oven to 350ºF.
Lightly spray the Madeleine pan, or a miniature muffin tin, with a spray oil and dust evenly with flour, removing any excess.
Sift the flours, readding the bran along with the salt and baking soda into a large bowl.
Press the olives with the flat side of a chefs knife or a wooden spoon to loosen the pit. Remove the pit and finely chop the olives.
Add the rosemary, water, vinegar and oil to the sifted flour, mixing well to moisten.
Incorporate the olives and walnuts into the batter.
Evenly spoon the batter into the pans, about 1/8″ from the top.
Bake for about 15 minutes, or until slightly puffed and a toothpick can cleanly be removed.

I don’t know about you, but I typically go one of two ways when I’m on hors D’oeuvres duty; Chips and dip or stress with what will impress.

I like entertaining and I quite like the reputation that guests don’t need to eat before a gathering at my place. Lately I’ve found a few speedy plates that are quick to keep everyone happy and you chatty while you catch up with company.

The eggplant caviar only takes a bit of prep time with the roasting but with a food processor, everything was so speedy quick that I also threw together some whole grain flat bread in the meantime. Sure, you could buy crackers but this way, you not only know what’s in them, but it’s up to you and your taste buds to add what goes on them. Roll them out and cut them into dainty shapes or go fast and fun and leave them just so. They’re thin and crisp and cracking a piece off to spread some paté just lays things back a little.

EGGPLANT CAVIAR

1 Eggplant, halved and roasted
1 Teaspoon Olive Oil
1 Head Garlic, roasted
Juice of 1/2 Lemon
1 Tablespoon Parsley, finely chopped
1/2 teaspoon Salt, or to taste
Black Pepper to taste

Preheat the oven to 350ºF.
Halve the eggplant and lightly salt each side.
Lay cut side down in a roasting pan.
Cut the top stem from the head of garlic.
Drizzle over a small amount of olive oil and wrap tightly in foil.
Bake the eggplant and garlic for 30 minutes or until both are tender.
Once cool enough to handle, remove the skin from the eggplant and add the pulp to a food processor.
Squeeze the garlic from it’s skin and add it and the lemon juice to the eggplant.
Pulse to combine.
Add the parsley, salt and pepper, mixing to incorporate.
Adjust seasoning to taste, adding more salt, if necessary.
Serve chilled or at room temperature.

MUSHROOM PATÉ

2 Portabella Mushrooms, finely chopped
10 Shitake Mushrooms, 3/4 Cup trimmed and sliced
1 Leek, white and light green parts only, well rinsed and finely chopped
2 Cloves Garlic, minced
2 Tablespoons Olive Oil
1/2 teaspoon Salt
Freshly Ground Black Pepper, to taste
1/2 teaspoon Dried Rosemary, ground
1/3 Cup Red Bell Pepper, finely minced
3 Tablespoons Brandy
2 teaspoons Parsley, finely chopped
2 teaspoons Chives, finely chopped
1 teaspoon Arrowroot Powder or Cornstarch

Heat the oil in a large sauté pan and add the garlic and leeks.
Once the leeks are soft, add the mushrooms, salt, pepper and rosemary.
Sauté over a medium high setting until the mushrooms are tender and have begun to dry.
Add the peppers and brandy continuing to sauté for 2 minutes more.
Toss in 1 teaspoon of the parsley and remove from heat.
Cool then add to the food processor pulsing to chop.
Firmly press mixture into ramekins.

To make the chive gelée for the topping, add 1/3 cup of water to a small saucepan and bring to a boil.
Add the chopped chives and remaining parsley.
Dissolve the arrowroot powder in 1/4 cup cold water and add, stirring to thicken.
Remove from the heat and cool slightly.
Spoon an even layer over the prepared mushroom paté and refrigerate until set and ready to serve.

WHOLE GRAIN FLAT BREAD CRACKERS

1/2 Cup Whole or Twelve Grain Cereal
1/2 Cup Boiling Water
1/2 teaspoon Salt
1 teaspoon Sugar
1/3 Cup Vegetable Shortening
1/3 Cup Soy Milk, or water
1 1/2 Cups Whole Wheat Flour

Pour the boiling water over the cereal to soften
Let sit 20 – 30 minutes.
In a food processor combine flour, salt, sugar.
Cut in the shortening until it is blended into a crumb consistency.
Add the moistened cereal then through the feed tube, drizzle in the milk, bringing the dough together into a soft ball.
Cut the dough two disks and quarter each of those leaving you with eight pieces.
Heat the oven to 400ºF.
Roll each piece as thinly as possible between two pieces of parchment paper.
If desired, lightly spray the rolled dough with oil and top with any desired combination of truffle salt, sea salt and rosemary or parmesan and black pepper.
Bake for 8 – 9 minutes; until crisp but barely golden, watching as they brown quickly.