{the dish} Leek & Roasted Tomato Pizza

So around this time of year I sit down with my calendar and a large cup of coffee and start planning the fall. First I get the school holidays in. Then the sports, hmmm let's see that is football on Tuesday and Thursday for the youngest and guitar on Wednesday. The older one is Wednesday and Friday practices and then the oldest - well every day is volleyball. A little community service, games, sleepovers. Then there is the homework ... come on really!

With my coffee cup drained my hands shaking with the caffeine injection ... I try and breath.

Ok so your getting it. We all get it. It becomes a little crazy. So it is time to make dinners simple and delicious - something that can be eaten any time of night. Homemade pizza is easy and one of the most versatile dishes there are. The crust like a canvas to create on!

Lately I have found some frozen dough from the grocer. It is great but you have to remember to thaw. So this takes a little more planning. So if you want to make it super easy then grab some Nann. (it is available most everywhere now). It makes the perfect crust. I buy 4 -5 packets and stick them in the freezer. So it is ready when I am. All I have to find is something to put on top .. Now that is easy.

Leek & Roasted Tomato by ann west

2 Naan crusts or frozen dough

tomato sauce

grape tomatoes

leeks

olive oil

red pepper flakes

salt & pepper

buffalo mozzarella

arugula

Roast your tomatoes, garlic and leeks for 25 min at 375. Build you pizza and cook in a 400 oven for 20 minutes and enjoy.

Be creative! Just make sure you have your basics on your weekly shopping list: naan, tomato sauce, mozzarella.

enjoy!

{the dish} Pizza Salad

There is a great restaurant in town that serves out of this world pizza. My favorite is the pizza with an arugula salad right on top.

I tried to recreate this wonderful pie. Some success and some improvements to be made!

Arugula Pizza Salad by ann west

pizza dough (i found some great fresh dough but any thin dough will work)

garlic

olive oil

red onion

proscuitto

fresh basil

sliced tomato - let them sit and drain a bit

arugula

lemon juice

pine nuts

parmesan cheese

red pepper flakes or hot chili oil (if you wish)

Roll out your dough. Brush the dough with olive oil. Crush your garlic into a paste and spread on the dough. If you like red pepper flakes sprinkle them on. Layer your proscuitto, onion and basil. Cook your pizza 1/2 to 3/4 of the way - (your crust should be set and slightly brown). While it is cooking toss the arugula and pine nuts and parmesan with olive oil and a little lemon juice. Top you pizza with the salad and cook until the arugula is wilted and the cheese is soft. Add some pepper and salt to taste and enjoy!