When I told Michael we were having pizza for dinner he was (1) excited and (2) surprised I would prepare something so "basic" to share with you. But I really enjoy making pizza and have been overcoming a few challenges, namely doughy-ness of my crusts. Today was about getting it right -- and I did.
We put together a hearty pizza of spicy sausage, spinach and artichokes. And Michael will be coming home for lunch to tomorrow for leftovers.
Here's what you'll need...
2 packages of pizza crust mix
1 can diced tomatoes (drained)
1/2 bag baby spinach leaves
5 artichoke hearts chopped
1/2 sweet onion sliced
1/4 lb spicy sausage
2 tablespoons minced garlic
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
2 tablespoons olive oil
Let's get started...
1. Prepare your pizza crusts according to their instructions. Preheat your oven to 450 degrees.
We put together a hearty pizza of spicy sausage, spinach and artichokes. And Michael will be coming home for lunch to tomorrow for leftovers.
Here's what you'll need...
2 packages of pizza crust mix
1 can diced tomatoes (drained)
1/2 bag baby spinach leaves
5 artichoke hearts chopped
1/2 sweet onion sliced
1/4 lb spicy sausage
2 tablespoons minced garlic
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
2 tablespoons olive oil
Let's get started...
1. Prepare your pizza crusts according to their instructions. Preheat your oven to 450 degrees.
2. Slice your onions, chop the artichoke hearts, and remove that sausage from its casing while you wait for the onion to preheat.
3. Grease your pizza pan and press the dough into the pan. Bake for about 8 minutes.
This is the obvious secret that is changing my pizza making abilities.
3. Grease your pizza pan and press the dough into the pan. Bake for about 8 minutes.
This is the obvious secret that is changing my pizza making abilities.
4. While your dough bakes, begin cooking sausage of medium high heat.
5. Once sausage grease has seasoned your pan, add onions, garlic and artichokes.
6. Toss continuously until sausage and onions are cooked through. Reduce heat. Add spinach leaves and toss until wilted.
7. Remove dough from the oven. Apply a light coating of olive oil to the outer rim of the crust.
7. Remove dough from the oven. Apply a light coating of olive oil to the outer rim of the crust.
8. Spread the sausage and spinach mixture over crust evenly.
9. Add tomatoes as next topping.
10. Finally, spread the mozzarella cheese evenly.
11. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes. Broil for about 2 minutes to develop cheese.
11. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes. Broil for about 2 minutes to develop cheese.
12. Slice to serve.
Every family needs a pizza night every now and then. Pizza night was such a treat when we were younger (even a reward for reading #BookIt) and now we get to have fun with trying lots of different topping combinations. Now that I have this crust thing down, pizza may be making some additional appearances in our weekly menu.
Every family needs a pizza night every now and then. Pizza night was such a treat when we were younger (even a reward for reading #BookIt) and now we get to have fun with trying lots of different topping combinations. Now that I have this crust thing down, pizza may be making some additional appearances in our weekly menu.
