It's because the Poolboy's sick with the flu (not very appetizing, I know) and its left me with all kinds of time on my hands.
Which can only mean one thing in the world of Maven... I'm either cooking, blogging, or decorating!
And since I decorated last night ( I have fabulous new ideas for summer decor on the cheap - blog to come soon ) it's all about the cooking and blogging for me this evening.
The recipe I'm about to share was an experiment that I was going to take to a party.
Unfortunately, though, our plans got cancelled on account of the Poolboy's plague. But being that I'm made of hearty stock, I decided to soldier on and create something new and all I can tell you is that you're going to be happy I did because, Um,
YUMM!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
If I do say so myself.
So without further ado may I present...
Asiago and Artichoke Pizza with Summer Fresh Vegetables
Crunchy, savoury pizza crust drizzled with extra virgin olive oil and spread with a layer of Asiago Cheese and Artichoke dip. Top with your favourite vegetables, diced ham or chicken breast, chill, and then slice and enjoy.
Sure to be a crowd pleaser!
To create this easy enchantment, begin by drizzling a store bought, plain pizza shell with olive oil and then sprinkling with kosher salt, fresh cracked black pepper, dried oregano, basil, and thyme.
Bake in a 450 oven directly on the rack for about ten minutes or until it looks like this:
Okay, now let's get sinful with it...
Start by spreading an entire container of Asiago Cheese dip over the top of your pizza.
The dip looks like this and can be found in most grocery stores.
Oh yah baby...
Next, sprinkle the top with about a cup of ham or diced chicken breast. (I used ham this time)
Then top with brocolli florets that have been blanched in boiling water for about ten seconds (this gives them that brilliant green colour)
Sprinkle with 2-3 chopped green onions, one diced tomato, and fresh cracked black pepper.
Wrap and refrigerate until serving.
This would be a great appetizer to bring to a summer barbecue or a casual lunch on a hot day.
Give it a try and then let me know what you think! The beauty is that you can really play around with it, adding different veggies or dips to conjure up all sorts of magical dishes.
Life is beautiful, friends - and at this time of year what could be more tantalizing than vibrantly coloured veggies, and cool, creamy dressing, on a crispy, crunchy bed?
Serve with a chilled chardonnay or a very cold red shoe martini.
It's all about creating everyday magic friends!
Until next time...
Boo!
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