Tonight, as I was contemplating what to serve my kids for dinner (Steve sometimes doesn't get home until much later), I took inventory of my fridge and freezer. Leftover Japanese curry from last night? Not a chance the kids were going to get excited about that. Hyrum was wanting to make some pizza, but I just didn't have the energy to make the dough from scratch, nor the patience to let it rise. Solution?
I thawed some hamburger buns that were in the freezer, then toasted both sides under the broiler in the oven. When they were lighty browned (an important first step), I placed them face up on a cookie sheet and topped them with spaghetti sauce and some grated mozzarella that I always keep on hand in the freezer. I put them under the broiler for a minute or two so the cheese gets even exposure to the heat, then topped the mini pizzas with some sliced olives. Then it was back under the broiler for another minute or so, until mozzarella started to brown on edges. I grated a little fresh asiago cheese (could also use parmesan) after removing from oven for a little extra depth of flavor, and they were done!
I was pleasantly surprised with the texture of the buns. They turned out much better than english muffins or the "fake" pizza dough in a can or box. Still no comparison to real pizza dough, but a satisfactory substitute when time (or energy levels) don't allow for the real thing. Would be a great thing to serve at a kid's party, and they could make their own as part of the fun!
I say again that you are the most creative person I know.
Posted by: Sunny | August 01, 2008 at 12:28 PM