Serious Pie

My husband and I were heading to Chocolate box to pick up some things for a care package for our son who is away at college. OK, first things first...LUNCH. I want pizza!!!
Every now and then, I crave pizza. If the wait is not long (I don't make reservations) and I just happen to be in the neighborhood, my choice is Serious Pie. He's a wine guy and ordered a cold glass (or two) of villa giada monferrato chiaretto rose. I'm a beer girl and ordered the snoqualmie "pga" amber on tap...YUM.

Couldn't decide which starter, so we asked the server to suggest something...The Special. Mixed greens, citrus vinaigrette, goat cheese (I think), fennel and beans. Wow, a perfect blend.

To be honest, when I find something I like, I stick to it. I love the pizza with clams and pancetta...mmm! OK, this visit we ordered the (ha, ha) the Special Pizza of the Day: house salumi, sauteed greens, and some cheese that was a little too mild for the pizza, but still delicious.

OK, if you're looking for a quick and cheap pizza joint, Serious Pie ain't the place. However, if you have the time,

it's worth every penny!

Don Pedros, Sayulita, Mexico

So, the other night I had a craving for pizza. Actually, when I started writing this blogpost, in bed, I had a cold piece of margherita pizza in my hand.

Well, the craving for pizza doesn't happen often, because, well, it's pizza. There are so many other food choices in the world and for some reason, PIZZA...really?The 3 P's...pizza, pancetta, and prawns with tomatoes, fresh mozzarella and a bit of fresh basil...mmmmmmmmmmm!
I haven't found this pizza anywhere but at Don Pedros in Sayulita, Mexico.
Not that prawns and pancetta are so unusual, but seafood on pizza, not so popular I guess. I'll usually order the clam pizza when I see it, but it's just what it is...right?

OK, here's the real reason the Prawn & Pancetta Pizza kicks ass at Don Pedros on the beach in Sayulita...where else can you have pizza and your date can call these guys over and have them sing "Besa Me Mucho" to you.

Where?

Food Wars: Pizza Mart vs. Jumbo Slice

Do you ever watch Food Wars? My husband and I love that show. Did you see the episode with Jumbo Slice vs. Pizza Mart?

On a recent trip to Washington, D.C. John stopped in to Pizza Mart. Thumbs up. One slice was enough AND no reason to visit Jumbo Slice. Unfair to say Pizza Mart is the winner, yes, but if you know my husband, he is super picky when it comes to pizza...nuf said!

John's Flatbread...and he cooks!

Yet another reason I stay married. My Husband cooks!!! I don't mess around with yeast, but my "stick to the recipe" husband doesn't think it's a big deal. While I was prepping my roast chicken he said, "I'm going to make flatbread!" Hmmm, I thought, right!

Focaccia al Formaggio

He's cute and makes a mean Manhattan!
Here's the dough, fresh herbs and Parmesan cheese

Focaccia al Formaggio
(Flatbread with Cheese)

Pizza Dough (recipe follows)
1 egg beaten with 1 T water
5 oz each grated Parmesan & Mozzarella
or 10 oz Gorgonzola, crumbled
fresh oregano leaves
chopped fresh basil
chopped fresh parsley
5 green onions, chopped
extra virgin olive oil

Here's what you do.
Preheat oven to 500 degrees F
Roll dough as thin as possible and put on a pizza stone or greased pizza pan. Brush with egg wash. Crumble cheese on top, then sprinkle with fresh herbs, green onions, and a little olive oil. Bake until cheese is melted and bubbly and the crust is golden brown, about 5 minutes. Cut into small pieces and Enjoy!

Pizza Dough:
1/2 package active dry yeast
1/2 cup lukewarm water
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 T olive oil
1/2 tsp kosher salt

Dissolve yeast in water. Add other ingredients and knead until elastic. Let rest a few minutes before rolling out, VERY IMPORTANT. (No rising is required.)

This was so good I took a bite before taking a picture!

Tyler's Ultimate Roast Chicken with herbed mushrooms

I am still trying out all the Tyler Florence recipes. I snapped a pic right before my husband and son demolished the chicken. I got the recipe for the Roast Chicken right off the Food Network website. The only change was that I put 6 full ribs of celery under the chicken before roasting and I also put 1 whole quartered onion in the roasting pan. The celery, onions and mushrooms pair well with the chicken and flatbread. Great dinner, I'll make this again. Actually, it's so easy to put this meal together, John & Tyler can make this meal next time!