Pizza-tinis

Can you believe that is already November?!? That daylight savings time is tomorrow AND stores are putting out there Thanksgiving and Christmas stuff (because Thanksgiving is only 26 days away). Whoa, right? Well, I for one am excited. Thanksgiving lets me know that my semester is almost over and in just 3 weeks my sister, brother-in-law and cousin will be here!  I am really excited. I also just found out today that my brother and his family might come as well ::keeping my fingers crossed::. The hubby and I's apartment might be very cramped for a bit -- but when it's full of family -- it's well worth it. I love my siblings! And I think one of the worst parts of growing up is not seeing them everyday. You just get so used to being with your siblings everyday, and having fun, that when its gone -- it's like an empty space in your life....so I can't wait to be reunited.

I had a lot of fun yesterday. I woke up early to be one of those day after Halloween candy hoarder, creepers...that's right...I said it ;) Hahahah...but in a good way, because obviously I was one yesterday! But I went to three different stores to take advantage of their sales. I picked up decorations for next year, costumes for Ninja (he looked absolutely adorable in them), some dog toys, and A LOT of candy. Usually Halloween candy is not marked down as much as everything else, but the grocery store I went to had someone call in sick and was swamped switching out their Halloween stuff and so they made everything 50% off :) Win! I now have a large cupboard full of different candy bars. I plan to do a series special of candy bar desserts while my family is visiting. Candy bar desserts are always fun; I'm excited.

My blog is also now on a sweet tooth withdrawal after my Spooktacular countdown. Ironic, right, for a blog named For the Love of Dessert ;) But I am aware that my savory posts are some of my more popular posts. So to get back into the swing of things, I have a fun, easy and savory meal to make. I love, love, love kid friendly meals. I saw this commercial for Pillsbury biscuits -- in which they made pizza. It looked delicious and it just struck me as an incrediblely fun meal to make that any kid would like. I decided to make it extra "fun" by adding hot dogs, because we all know my love of hot dogs. But I added some adult favorites like poblano peppers and crushed red peppers (which you can easily leave off). They are ready in a pinch and the hubby and I both, scarfed them down. If you have kids, I am sure they will have so much fun "building" their own pizza.

PIZZA-TINIS 

Adapted from Pillsbury

INGREDIENTS

Preheat Oven to 350F Degrees

1 (10.6 oz) can of Pillsbury Grand refrigerated biscuits (8 biscuits per can)
1 c. pizza sauce
2 c. shredded mozzarella cheese
5 hot dogs, sliced (or 3.5 oz. sliced pepperoni)*
1/2-1 c. poblano peppers*

Crushed red peppers for garnish*

* Substitute for your own topping favorites: ham, chicken, onions, mushrooms, extra cheese, etc.

DIRECTIONS 

Line baking sheet with either a baking mat, aluminum foil or parchment paper. Lightly grease with cooking spray. On a floured surface roll each biscuit into a 6 inch round circle.  Spread 2 tbsp. of pizza sauce over each biscuit and top with desired toppings. Sprinkle with shredded mozzarella cheese (~4 tbsp.).

For my pizzas: Spread pizza sauce over each biscuit and top with sliced hot dogs (~6-8 slices) and 1 tbp. of poblano peppers. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over toppings. Garnish with crushed red peppers.

Place on greased baking sheet and bake 10-15 minutes until biscuit is a light golden brown and cheese is bubbly.

Enjoy,
Chika

Boudin Pizza

It's raining, it's pouring...the old man is snoring :) Hahaha...it is pouring in College Station today, which really equals a sad, sad Ninja who looks out of the window longingly-- with hopes of going to the dog park. I think the thunder must have upset him while we were gone today, because when I came home, my normally very well behaved Ninja, decided to tear up a throw pillow. I entered to see my housed filled with fluffy snow stuffing, everywhere. I knew he did something wrong, because instead of having my sweet Ninja face greet me, I instead had my naughty Ninja face hiding underneath the coffee table. Ninja spent some time in his time out corner. He was too ashamed to even look at the camera ;) Have you seen those pet shame pictures? That's what this picture reminded me of.

I am back in the cooking game. I really like cooking tons of meals in advance so that even on days that I am exhausted or just busy, that I will still have recipes to share. Well, this week is pretty niffty in that, not only do I have some opportunities to make meals for the hubby like I normally do, but it is also Ninja's Birthday coming up (I KNOW! My baby is turning 3!) so I am going to make pupcakes for the puppies (to add to my puppy love collection) and cupcakes for the humans ;) I LOVE when I have extra opportunities to make desserts! Going back to what For the Love of Dessert is all about! :) I may have also bought some other ingredients to make a trifle so I can use the trifle bowl set the hubby bought me for my birthday (never made a trifle before- so I am excited). Stay tuned for these yummy recipes, lets cross our fingers and hope they come out well!

Well- it is no secret that the hubby is from Louisiana. One of my favorite foods that the hubby introduced to me from his neck of the woods was Boudin. I LOVE IT! (And if you watch Duck Dynasty, they do too!) I could not get enough of it! I actually gotten some authentic Boudin for the hubby on Valentine's Day!  Anywhoo, usually I get my recipes from searching on-line and seeing what stands out to me-- and then slightly adapting it to fit my preference/ingredients.

But this time time, I was so proud of myself. I completely "invented" a recipe in my head, and it was so different that I could not even find a recipe for it anywhere on the internet! I saw that a pizza company tried to do it- but they did not share their recipe and I think they discontinued it. You know what?! It came out awesome! It was such an interesting twist to an already yummy food! And I may be enjoying a slice right now ;) I really think you all should try this recipe! It is super fun-- I mean who does not love Pizza and its topped with something delicious! Oh- it is a white sauce based pizza- not marinara sauce.

BOUDIN PIZZA

Pizza Crust adapted from CDK Kitchen 

Cream Sauce adapted from food.com

INGREDIENTS

Preheat Oven to 375F Degrees

FOR THE CRUST
1 1/3 c. warm water
1/4 c. non-fat dry milk
1/2 tsp. salt
3-4 c. flour
1 (4oz) package dry yeast
2 tbsp. olive oil

FOR THE SAUCE
2 tbsp. butter
1 1/2 tbsp. garlic
1 c. milk
3 tbsp. flour
1/2 c. grated Parmesan
salt and pepper to taste

FOR THE TOPPING
3 links of boudin (sold in the sausage section)
14 oz. bag of three pepper and onion blend, thawed and dried
1/4 c. grated Parmesan

DIRECTIONS

For the Crust:
In a small bowl combine warm water, dry milk, salt, and yeast. Whisk together and let sit for 3-5 minutes (until it begins to bubble at the top), then add in oil and allow to sit for another minute. Then in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with dough hook- mix into 3 c. of flour.  Slowly add in the last c. until the dough comes together. If it is too dry add more warm water or if too wet add more flour. Place in large bowl coated with cooking spray and cover. Allow to sit for 1-2 hours. When dough has risen, "punch" dough to deflate. Cut dough in half, wrap one of the halves in saran wrap, and freeze for future use. Grease pizza pan.  Roll remaining dough (the half not frozen) onto a 12 inch pizza pan. Poke holes in crust with fork and brush dough with olive oil. Bake for 5-10 minute until begins to bubble slightly on top. Remove from oven.

For the Sauce:

In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt butter. Add garlic and saute until brown and fragrant. Mix in milk and flour (see this recipe to find out how to add flour without creating clumps before adding in milk) and whisk well until incorporated. Finally stir in Parmesan cheese as well as salt and pepper to taste. Reduce heat to simmer so that sauce does not thicken too much. 

For Topping and making Pizza:

Cut boudin links into medallions. 

Spread sauce over the surface of the dough with the back of a large spoon (spoon the sauce in the middle of the pizza and spread by making larger, and larger circular motions--moving outward). Then evenly cover pizza with three pepper and onion blend, as well as boudin medallions. Finally garnish with Parmesan cheese. Bake an additional 15-20 minutes until crust is golden brown. 

Enjoy,
Chika

Mac n' Cheese Pizza

Call me odd- but I never heard of Cici's Pizza until I moved to Texas. Yes, we do have them in California. When the hubby and I started dating, I was intrigued and asked to eat there one day, when craving some pizza. I had no idea it was a buffet- not the best place for a "date," but we had been dating just long enough, where it was not too awkward and we could laugh it off. The hubby knew it was a buffet and had been there with his college friends but not me- but I think he did not have to the heart to ask me why I would ask him to take me on a date to a pizza buffet.

Well since we were there- I thought I would give it a try, since the hubby seemed like a fan. And man can he eat- so it worked out well ;) When I was there- one of the pizzas that they offered was a mac n' cheese pizza. I remember thinking how interesting that combination was- and when I tried it, I immediately went to pizza heaven. The hubby and I continued to go there, occasionally afterwards. After moving to College Station we had not really gone to Cici's until New Year's Eve- when the hubby brought home some Mac n' Cheese pizza from Cici's for me enjoy. If you remember, we could not really go out because Ninja had just had his leg surgery.

And then- when I was shopping one day at Kroger the other month I had stumbled upon Tony's Mac n' Cheese pizza and it immediately made me think of Cici's and although Tony's Frozen Pizza is not the classiest- it tasted even better than Cici's! Well after that I was hooked and had it in me to just figure out if I could make it myself. I mean it seemed simple enough right? Pizza dough? Mac n' Cheese? Stick them together. With a little bit of searching, I found the perfect recipe and thought I would go for it! It was so yummy! I could eat the whole pizza in one sitting- if not for the hubby stealing pizza slices while I was not looking ;) I hope you enjoy it! I know this would be a definite kid favorite! 

I recommend for busy moms to make the pizza dough in advance. The dough recipe that  I share makes enough dough for two crusts. So I always make the recipe and keep the extra dough in the freezer for a busy day. The rest of making this pizza is a cinch and will not take long at all! 

MAC N' CHEESE PIZZA

Adapted from Food.Com

INGREDIENTS

Preheat Oven to 400F Degrees

FOR THE CRUST

1 1/3 c. warm water

1/4 c. non-fat dry milk

1/2 tsp. salt

1 (4oz) package of yeast

2 tbsp. olive oil

3-4 c. flour

FOR THE PIZZA TOPPINGS

3/4 c. elbow pasta 

1 jar of Ragu double cheddar cheese sauce

2 tbsp. of butter

pinch of salt

DIRECTIONS

For the Pizza Crust: 

In a small bowl combine warm water, dry milk, salt, and yeast. Whisk together and let sit for 3-5 minutes (until it begins to bubble at the top), then add in oil and allow to sit for another minute. Then in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with dough hook- mix into 3 c. of flour.  Slowly add in the last c. until the dough comes together. If it is too dry add more warm water or if too wet add more flour. Place in large bowl coated with cooking spray and cover. Allow to sit for 1-2 hours. When dough has risen, "punch" dough to deflate. Cut dough in half, wrap one of the halves in saran wrap, and freeze for future use. Grease pizza pan.  Roll remaining dough (the half not frozen) onto a 12 inch pizza pan. Poke holes in crust with fork and brush dough with olive oil. Bake for 5-10 minute until begins to bubble slightly on top. Remove from oven. 

For Pizza Toppings:

In a medium pot, over medium heat, cook pasta according to package directions- approximately 7-8 minutes until al dente. Drain excess water and run cold water through the pasta to prevent sticking. 

While pasta is cooking in a small saucepan combine 1/2 the jar of Ragu cheese sauce, butter and salt, over medium heat. Continue to stir until butter has melted.

To Make Pizza:

Using a spoon spread a thin layer of cheese sauce over the entire pizza dough. Bake for 15 minutes until almost cooked and slightly browned on the edges. 

Remove pasta from oven- evenly distribute pasta over the pizza crust. Then pour remaining mixture over the pasta, spreading sauce evenly over pizza  using a spatula. Bake for an additional 10 minutes. 

Allow pizza to cool slightly before cutting!

Enjoy your little slice of pizza heave ;)

Chika

Onion, Spinach, Mushroom Alfredo Pizza

I think I am failing miserably at my attempt to try to post every day. And the sad part about it is- that it is not because I do not have anything to post. I have quite a few really awesome recipes to share and some cupcakery reviews! I do not know what it has been about February but I have been so busy! The week just flies by--I feel like I am always on the go-- and by the time the evenings rolls around, I am just too tired post. I literally just pass out. Thankfully, the weekend has rolled around and I am ready to post...and to nap :)

Today I took Ninja to the dog park. His first day back in almost 4 months. Ninja freaked out! He was so excited, he did not even give me time to take off his harness- he was just trying with all his might to rush the gate and push it open...to bad there was a latch in his way. This Friday we are going to the vet for his 8-week follow up and I am hoping that he will give us the A-Okay on his coming back to the dog park in the evenings so he can have some fun times with his friends! Can't wait :) Here's a picture of my drooly face this morning, makes my heart melt every time!

I had made this delicious pizza a while ago as the hubby and I were long over due for some pizza, since the last time we had any was on New Years Eve. I have only made pizza once before-- BBQ Chicken Pizza, which turned out awesome, so I thought I would try making pizza from scratch again. I was pretty darn proud of myself for mastering how to make my own dough! The recipe usually makes enough for two pizzas, so I cut the dough in half and freeze the rest for another day! 

CARAMELIZED ONION, SPINACH AND MUSHROOM ALFREDO PIZZA

Adapted from Budget Bytes

INGREDIENTS

Preheat Oven to 425F Degrees

FOR THE CRUST

1 1/3 c. warm water

1/4 c. non-fat dry milk

1/2 tsp. salt

1 (4oz) package of yeast

2 tbsp. olive oil

3-4 c. flour

FOR THE SAUCE

1 tbsp. butter

1/2 tbsp. garlic, diced

4 oz. cream cheese

1/2 c. milk 

Pinch of salt

FOR THE PIZZA

2 tbsp. olive oil

1/2 c. onion, diced

Pinch of salt and pepper

1 carton of mushrooms

2 c. spinach leaves

1 c. shredded mozarella cheese

DIRECTIONS

For the Crust:
In a small bowl combine warm water, dry milk, salt, and yeast. Whisk together and let sit for 3-5 minutes (until it begins to bubble at the top), then add in oil and allow to sit for another minute. Then in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with dough hook- mix into 3 c. of flour.  Slowly add in the last c. until the dough comes together. If it is too dry add more warm water or if too wet add more flour. Place in large bowl coated with cooking spray and cover. Allow to sit for 1-2 hours. When dough has risen, "punch" dough to deflate. Cut dough in half, wrap one of the halves in saran wrap, and freeze for future use. Grease pizza pan.  Roll remaining dough (the half not frozen) onto a 12 inch pizza pan. Poke holes in crust with fork and brush dough with olive oil. Bake for 5-10 minute until begins to bubble slightly on top. Remove from oven.

For the sauce: 
Heat butter over medium heat in a medium size pot. Add garlic and saute until softened, about 2 minutes. Next add cream cheese, milk and pinch of salt. Whisk mixture until smooth. Reduce to low heat and allow sauce to thicken (about 5-8 minutes). Allow to cool slightly. 

For the topping: heat olive oil over medium-high heat in a large skillet. The saute onions until transparent and slightly brown. Toss in mushrooms (and pinch of salt if desired) and saute until tender-- about 8-10 minutes. Finally stir in the fresh spinach, one cup at a time, until the spinach wilts. 

To assemble pizza: 
Spread sauce over the surface of dough with the back of a large spoon (spoon the sauce in the middle of the pizza and spread by making larger, and larger circular motions-- moving outward). Then evenly cover pizza with onion, spinach and mushroom topping. Finally top with mozarella cheese. Bake 12-15 minutes until crust is golden brown. I cook my pizza on the bottom oven rack.

Enjoy,

Chika

BBQ Chicken Pizza

Happy Monday! And so marks the beginning of another busy week. But I woke up in such a wonderful mood. Just knowing that some major projects are off my plate, feels so good! And I got about 7 hours of sleep last night. I just felt wonderful. Though I do have to say- I am not sure what Ninja has been doing lately- but I think he either pulled another muscle (this time on the opposite leg) or we need to take him to the vet for further investigation. Regardless, Im pretty sure we will be making a vet run. Ninja is not going to be happy- but seeing my poor baby hobble is just not an option.

I did not have the time to post Sunday dinner. Well the hubby got to enjoy some BBQ Chicken, Veggie filled pizza. The hubby and I love, love, love vegetables (minus your core hated: lima beans). So I packed this pizza with some yummy seasonal veggies. It was a pretty big pizza for two- so the exciting news is that there are left-overs and we all know how I love leftovers. A cooking free day for me- when I have those long days. I was pretty proud of this pizza since I made the dough from scratch too! My first all homemade dough (small victories...)

I realized that I have cooking time of Tuesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday. I made those my "cook days" where I would cook for that day until the next day I had time to cook (ie. On sunday I cooked sunday dinner and monday dinner) so that way I knew the hubby and I would have homemade dinner each night, without having to go out-- we are not big fans of eating out. And for those times when left overs pile up- I will have a free cookign day :)

BBQ CHICKEN PIZZA

Adapted from Budget Bytes and CDKitchen

INGREDIENTS

Preheat Oven to 425F Degrees

FOR THE CRUST

1 1/3 c. warm water

1/4 c. non-fat dry milk

1/2 tsp. salt

1 (4oz) package of yeast

2 tbsp. olive oil

3-4 c. flour

FOR PIZZA

2 chicken breasts (cooked, diced)

1/2 bottle of BBQ sauce

1/2 red onion sliced

1 bunch of green onions

Tri-colored peppers (I pre-grill/bake these in the oven with onions)

1 1/2 c. shredded cheese

DIRECTIONS

For the Crust:
In a small bowl combine warm water, dry milk, salt, and yeast. Whisk together and let sit for 3-5 minutes (until it begins to bubble at the top), then add in oil and allow to sit for another minute. Then in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with dough hook- mix into 3 c. of flour.  Slowly add in the last c. until the dough comes together. If it is too dry add more warm water or if too wet add more flour. Place in large bowl coated with cooking spray and cover. Allow to sit for 1-2 hours. When dough has risen, "punch" dough to deflate. Cut dough in half, wrap one of the halves in saran wrap, and freeze for future use. Grease pizza pan.  Roll remaining dough (the half not frozen) onto a 12 inch pizza pan. Poke holes in crust with fork and brush dough with olive oil. Bake for 5-10 minute until begins to bubble slightly on top. Remove from oven.

To assemble Pizza:

Take diced chicken and shred slightly. Mix with 1/4 c. of BBQ sauce, set aside. Use remainder of sauce to spread on top of crust. Spread sauce over the surface of the dough with the back of a large spoon (spoon the sauce in the middle of the pizza and spread by making larger, and larger circular motions--moving outward). Then evenly cover pizza with 1 c. of shredded cheese on top of pizza crust. Place in oven for 10-12 minutes until crust is golden brown at edges. Remove from oven and spread chicken, onions, and peppers on top of pizza. Sprinkle remainder of cheese on top and cook for an additional 5-8 minutes.

Enjoy,

Chika