Pizza D'Jennifer
There's few things in life as satisfying as a mouth-watering slice of pizza. Sure, things have come close - good friendships, a day listening to your favorite music, fitting into your favorite bikini, finding out your workout was canceled for the day... These things are all great, don't get me wrong, but a steaming hot slice of cheese-covered pizza with a slightly crisp crust and a flavorful, robust sauce is really what gets me going.
Please find my step-by-step instructions for mouth-watering, Pizza d'Jennifer.
Please find my step-by-step instructions for mouth-watering, Pizza d'Jennifer.
Go Shopping Already!
Most of my pizza recipes are completely made up using ingredients leftover from the week's cooking adventures. However, for this pizza, you might want to make a special trip if you don't have all the ingredients on hand.
You'll need:
Pizza Dough (ask the bakery for a ball of pizza dough. Cheap; better than canned dough and easier than homemade)
Vodka Sauce (I love Bertolli's Vodka Pasta sauce)
1 head of garlic
1 bag of fresh spinach
8 slices of prosciutto (or bacon!)
1 cup of Mozzarella cheese (I used shredded, but I love the sliced fresca version too)
3 handfuls of cherry/grape tomatoes
You'll need:
Pizza Dough (ask the bakery for a ball of pizza dough. Cheap; better than canned dough and easier than homemade)
Vodka Sauce (I love Bertolli's Vodka Pasta sauce)
1 head of garlic
1 bag of fresh spinach
8 slices of prosciutto (or bacon!)
1 cup of Mozzarella cheese (I used shredded, but I love the sliced fresca version too)
3 handfuls of cherry/grape tomatoes
Work on Your Crust
I believe the crust is a "make or break" element of any pizza. This crust is OUT OF THIS WORLD. I know, of course, because I made it up. So get ready for the tastiest crust of your life.
First, cut the top portion off of your head of garlic, leaving the cloves exposed. Then, place the head of garlic in a cut out of aluminium foil. Drizzle with some olive oil and wrap up the head of garlic in the foil. Stick this baby in the oven at 400 degrees for 30-35 minutes. When it's done, the cloves will be soft and mushy.
Next, pull out each of the softened garlic cloves and set aside to cool. Then, roll out your prepared pizza dough (mine was from Whole Foods) with your hands or with a rolling pin. Once the dough is the shape and thickness you want it, place it on your pizza pan and mash the roasted garlic cloves into the dough. Right on top is fine. Then, season with whatever you have on hand. I used oregano and thyme.
Oh, are you nervous that you just put a whole head of garlic on your pizza??
It's okay, I promise. Roasted garlic is much sweeter than raw garlic and you won't die.
Place your pizza crust in the oven at 425 degrees for 7 minutes. Once it's firmed up and golden brown, take it out and we'll start topping our pizza!
First, cut the top portion off of your head of garlic, leaving the cloves exposed. Then, place the head of garlic in a cut out of aluminium foil. Drizzle with some olive oil and wrap up the head of garlic in the foil. Stick this baby in the oven at 400 degrees for 30-35 minutes. When it's done, the cloves will be soft and mushy.
Next, pull out each of the softened garlic cloves and set aside to cool. Then, roll out your prepared pizza dough (mine was from Whole Foods) with your hands or with a rolling pin. Once the dough is the shape and thickness you want it, place it on your pizza pan and mash the roasted garlic cloves into the dough. Right on top is fine. Then, season with whatever you have on hand. I used oregano and thyme.
Oh, are you nervous that you just put a whole head of garlic on your pizza??
It's okay, I promise. Roasted garlic is much sweeter than raw garlic and you won't die.
Place your pizza crust in the oven at 425 degrees for 7 minutes. Once it's firmed up and golden brown, take it out and we'll start topping our pizza!
Put Some Toppings on That Thing!
Now that your kitchen smells amazing and you're done making the garlic crust, it's time to top your pizza.
First, add about 1/2 cup (or more!) of the vodka pasta sauce to your pizza. Second, add the prosciutto (or cooked bacon) and bag of fresh spinach (I don't even chop mine). Lastly, it's time to top with that cup of cheese.
Once you're done, put this back in the oven for another 10 minutes (at 425 degrees) until all the toppings have melted together and are ooey-gooey delicious.
First, add about 1/2 cup (or more!) of the vodka pasta sauce to your pizza. Second, add the prosciutto (or cooked bacon) and bag of fresh spinach (I don't even chop mine). Lastly, it's time to top with that cup of cheese.
Once you're done, put this back in the oven for another 10 minutes (at 425 degrees) until all the toppings have melted together and are ooey-gooey delicious.
Keep It Cool
Alright, I know this pizza looks fantastic. BUT, you have to let it cool for at least 5 seconds before eating it. (5 minutes if you want it to be easier to slice).
I don't want to be responsible for tongue burns, which are like, the worst thing ever!
After you eat your pizza, comment here and let me know how it goes! Oh, and please vote for me :)
With Love,
Jennifer
I don't want to be responsible for tongue burns, which are like, the worst thing ever!
After you eat your pizza, comment here and let me know how it goes! Oh, and please vote for me :)
With Love,
Jennifer