NJAC V2.0...Pizza on the BBQ

June. EEEK.  Where has the time gone?  So much has changed. Where to even start.. "hmm".  Well...  First off the West Coast this week has been absolutely blessed with sunshine.  Not too hot.  Not too cold.  Just beautiful.  Patio all dressed up.. full tank of propane.  Bring on Summer!  This is my latest version of my Pizza on the BBQ... let's call it V2.0... It's simple.. it's made with FRESHLY snipped Basil from my own herb planter!!  (yes.. I'm excited.. the herbs in my planter are actually GROWING! Who knew that  there could be a lil' bit of a green thumb in me!)... It's easy peasy.. and whether you are cooking for 2.. or.. ahem.. umm..hmm.. just 1.. this is just the right size (and leftovers make an awesome lunch!)

So after work this evening.. the sun was shining, motivation was high... Kenzie and I headed out on an evening run before I dove into the dinner plans for the evening.  Oh wait.. some of you may.. or may not know who Kenzie is... WELL... Kenzie my newest "addition".  Best running buddy ever.. and Wylie's best friend and "sister". I adopted/rescued Kenzie in the fall last year, and can't even imagine life without her.  With her bright blue eyes..she has absolutely melted my heart. Who knew I could find a dog that would love to cuddle as much as I do?! :)   Wylie and Kenzie... they are my life.  With all the crazy turns life takes.. one thing that remains constant is I get to come home to 2 unconditionally loving, loyal and amazing animals.  They are not just pets.. they are my companions. My family.

Of course.. I have to show off Wylie.. haha what a character, he's really taken to Kenzie, and his personality.. well.. haha pretty sure he thinks he's a dog... 

Annnnnyways.... back on subject.....Tonight, I used my fresh basil leaves I snipped off, feta, a basic tomato pizza sauce and cooked up some ground spicy Italian sausage, and of course, my basic pizza dough recipe.  (For some reason.. which I'm working on..but my old posts are not showing pictures.. UGH. HELP. SOMEONE!?..ANYONE!? so please excuse the earlier posts...I'm trying to find a solution ASAP).  The trick with Pizza on the BBQ is to keep it simple and light.  You'll love the crispy crust, and how quick it cooks on the BBQ...  as a good friend of mine would famously say.. A--MAZING! :p 

Pizza on the BBQ V2.0

• Pizza dough (recipe here)
• Pizza sauce (I used store bought garlic tomato pizza sauce)
• fresh basil
• 1/4 cup feta
• 1/2 package Johnsonville ground Hot Italian Sausage
• extra olive oil to grease pan / dough

- Mix up your dough per recipe

- Dough should form a nice ball, not stick to your fingers, when ready.  Add some olive oil to lightly coat bowl, cover and place dough in a draft free spot to rise ( about double in size).

- While dough is rising.  Cook up Italian Sausage, set aside to cool a bit.

- Snipe off your fresh basil... (or your fresh produce aisle should have some as well)...

HEEHEE!!  I grew that!!  Yes, I'm excited. Yes. I'm also kind of surprised. Don't judge! haha... now hopefully more will grow...  as I reeeaalllyyy love the idea of fresh herbs at my disposal! 

-Once dough is about double the size, remove from bowl, and with lightly greased hands, form the pizza crust (no need to be perfect... rustic is best!) and place on a lightly greased pizza pan.

- Preheat BBQ, all burners on high.  You want to start with as hot of a BBQ as you can to help get the perfect crust, and cook your pizza quick

- Add a light layer of sauce, add fresh basil leaves, cooked Italian sausage, and sprinkle feta

*Optional... pour yourself a glass of wine here... you've earned it... just cause. (I mean.. that's what I did anyways...)*

- Place Pizza in the center of the BBQ - all burners still on high.

- Close Lid - **this is where your pre-poured glass of wine comes into play** take a sip!  CHEERS!!

- This part shouldn't take too long.. after about 5 mins - check on the pizza, see how it's doing.  If you find the bottom of the crust is getting too crisp - turn the center burners down - or even off - to allow time for the rest of the pizza to catch up.  Once the crust is golden, and the cheese a little melted,  you are good to go!  Remove from BBQ, cut up..  Pour yourself another glass of wine.. and Enjoy!

.... just one more.... before I sign off for the evening... ( Kenzie had to try the crust as well.. I mean hey... more taste-testers the better right?!)

AND this time... It won't be months until I say hello again... I mean.. even "this chick" needs to eat :) 

Cheers!

Cowboy Meatloaf Casserole and Introducing.....

Hmm.  If you have wondered where I’ve been….  Heck.. even I’ve wondered at times…  I am going to offer up the same ole’ excuse…  Life gets in the way.  November was  a complete blur, and I don’t just mean the crossover of Fall to Winter Season’s,  Halloween to Christmas… I mean… a complete roller coaster, warp speed blur.   That being said… although at times it was hectic… We do have some exciting (well for us anyways) news to share!  Plus, with all that HAS gone on… simple, comfort food, and delicious dinners have become even more of a staple in our household.  Cowboy Meatloaf Casserole.  Don’t let the words “meatloaf” and “casserole” scare you…  this is darn tootin’ good stuff! It’s like a Meatloaf meets Sheppard’s Pie round a Cowboy Campfire.  (you still with me?!)…. And if that fails to get your attention… it’s got BACON and Cheese! Ha!!

Prep and cook time is relatively simple and quick, perfect for those cold and dreary nights during the “wet” months here on the West Coast... or even better - after a day out playing in the snow!  The addition of BBQ Sauce puts a great kick in the typical meatloaf base, and garlic mashed potatoes with  bacon, cheese, and crispy fried onions adds just the perfect “Get-R-Done” flavor boost to this crowd pleasing dish! YUM YUM!

The OTHER introduction I’d like to make… is we have a new addition to our family.  (NO-NO!… not what SOME of you are thinking… or hoping for)  HAHA….  Let me introduce to you Wylie.

Born on September 6, 2012, and adopted from the Maple Ridge SPCA ; we are absolutely in love with this lil’ bundle of fur.  I never thought in a million years that a cat could wiggle...purr...and snuggle its way into my heart… Well Folks… Mr. Wylie has done just that.  Even Duke Dog is excited, and after a slow introduction…

It now appears the two of them are Best Friends.  Even sharing each other’s water bowls!  Wylie appears to be settling in just fine, exploring every nook and cranny in our house… with Duke right on his tail. (Which he doesn’t appear to mind at all… even goes in for a kiss or two quite often!)

SO, with the weather out there a tad bit frightful….  The stress of the Christmas season in full swing... thanks goodness we now have TWO very loving furry members of our house hold to keep us connected with what matters most.  (but… we also need to eat… ) SOOOOOO… let’s get back to the yummy Cowboy Meatloaf Casserole….  

Cowboy Meatloaf Casserole

·         2 large baking  potatoes

·         1 lb ground meat (lean) – Pork would work too!

·         ¾ cup finely chopped onion

·         1/3 cup bread crumbs

·         ¼ cup BBQ – (I used the staple in my house - Jack Daniel’s BBQ Sauce)

·         1 lightly beaten egg

·         2 teaspoons chipotle chili powder

·         ¾ teaspoon salt

·         ¼ cup milk

·         1 tablespoon butter

·         2 table spoons minced garlic

·         1 cup crumbled real bacon

·         ¼ cup crispy fried onions (you can get them in the canned from the grocery store)

·         1 cup Tex-Mex Shredded Cheese

-          Preheat oven to 350F, coat a 9 x 9 baking dish with non-stick spray

-          In a large bowl, combine beef, onion, breadcrumbs, BBQ Sauce, egg, chili powder and salt until well mixed

-          Gently press into the bottom of the baking dish

-          Bake uncovered for 20 – 25 mins, or until cooked through. Dab off any excess fat if need be.

-          While Meatloaf is cooking, dice potatoes (skin on) and boil in a small sauce pan until fork tender, and easily mashed.

-          Remove from stove top, drain water, and mash potatoes until smooth, adding Milk / Butter / Garlic / bacon / Crispy Onions and half cup of cheese (reserve rest for topping)

-          Adjust oven rack to top shelf, and select broil.

-          Add Potato Mixture on top of Meatloaf, sprinkle remaining cheese on top and place on top rack of stove to broil top. 

-          Broil for 3 – 5 min, or until cheese is melted and lightly browned.

-          Serve Hot, and with addition BBQ if desired!  YUM YUM!