Saturday, June 6, 2009

Asiago and Artichoke Pizza with Summer Fresh Vegetables

People, I am on a roll this weekend.

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!

12 comments:

Kim said...

That looks AMAZING!! We are having "snack day" at work Monday...If I feel adventurous tomorrow...I may just give it a go!

HUGS!

Maven said...

Kim, this is so good and so easy! Give it a try!!

Jinx said...

OK, this is an inspiration!

I'd definitely need to mix it up though...my family runs at the mere mention of broccoli, & I would end up eating the entire thing by myself!

I might even start with a nice roasted garlic hummus instead of the asiago....hmmm you've got my thinking now!

barbkaus said...

I'll definitely be trying this one! Thanks so much for the recipe and pix. (Barb MySp)

Maven said...

Enjoy! And Jinx, if do a humous let me know how it is. I have to tell you, though, the asiago is pretty hard to beat. Spinach dip might also be good...

Pinky said...

Oh the possibilities are endless...but I ahve to say the asagio sounds FAB!!!! I will try this and let you know. BUT, I know I am gonna LOOOVE this!!! Can we "subscribe" to this blog like your other one? If so, how? I did put this in my favorites though. Thanks! Pinky

Pinky said...

Mave, I just went backa nd saw on the side bar that I could subscribe to the Kitchen Witch by submitting my e-maiol. I did that but it said I was already subscribed to a Fabulous Good life. I am but want to follow the Kitchen Witch too!!!!! Please advise!!!:):):) Pinky

Pinky said...

Please forgive the typos!!!!

Maven said...

Hi Pinky,

Are you on my private subscription list?

If you are, then I'll be sending updates for both my blogs whenever a new one comes out.

If not, email me at ziggfoo@live.ca and I'll put you on the list.

To everyone - thanks!! You are all wonderful :-)

Josie~Mo said...

You had me at store bought plain pizza (I'm a major carb hound)and it got better and better from there. Looks seriously delic. Mmmm! Possibilities are endless.

Veronica Miller said...
This post has been removed by the author.
Veronica Miller said...

I love your clever use of that artichoke dip--I think I would like to try this as a base on a hot pizza with cheese on top of the toppings--even more sinful!! I do like this cold pizza idea--perfect for an appetizer, I agree! Also, bringing pizza to a potluck isn't done often b/c it gets cold before it's eaten, but this one would be perfect b/c it doesn't need to stay hot.