I’m Dreaming of a White Pizza

Pizza is a fixture in our regular dinner rotation. I always have a ball or two of dough in the freezer. At some point during the week, I’ll pop it into the fridge so it’s thawed and ready to be topped for a fast dinner. Pizza is a great vehicle for veggies (and a good way to introduce new ones to wary youngsters.) One of my kids recently declared that she “doesn’t like sauce” anymore so I made this white pizza for her. Nothing earth-shattering here–it’s pretty standard fare, but I did make a nice garlic and herb oil to brush on the crust before topping it, which added a lot of flavor. I think the lesson here is to get creative and inspired with your toppings. The possibilities are endless–and a wholesome homemade dinner is easily achieved.

Grilled Cheese “Pull-Aparts”

Alright, this is definitely not the healthiest recipe, nor is it made from whole foods, but I have to admit it’s one of my proudest creations of late. I’m unapologetic about the use of American cheese and squishy packaged bread here. This recent article from the New York Times sums it up–this is my comfort food, and, on occasion, I still love it. Everything in moderation, right?

This invention came about after a recent party where I served pulled pork on these Martin’s mini “party roll” buns. They come in a pack of 24–two sheets of 12 rolls meant to be pulled apart and split in half to make tiny “sliders.” I had a surplus of buns after the party and needed something to do with them.

Use a serrated knife to carefully cut the sheet of rolls in half.

On a particularly crazy evening when I didn’t have much to make for dinner, I had this idea: Cut the entire sheet of buns in half, leaving them connected to each other, flip them inside out, and make a giant grilled cheese that can be pulled apart into little sandwiches! Ta-da!

Brush cut sides with butter; stack a double-layer of American cheese and optional toppings on the “bun” side.

Since, I’ve learned that this is a perfect playdate recipe. (We all know that other people’s kids don’t like our “healthy” cooking, right?) Serve this with some soup or fruit, and you’ll practically have a wholesome meal. And at least they’ll eat!

Bon Appetit!

Just a note: be sure to use a moderately hot griddle when cooking the grilled cheese. The thick, dense bread needs time to heat up enough to melt the cheese. You don’t want the exterior to get too dark before the cheese is melted!