Pear and Gorgonzola Cheese Pizza

I did it again. Something sweet and salty! I'm sorry... I have SUCH AN ADDICTION! But let me also give my defense and say that Trader Joes stopped making (or supplying in my area??) their pear and Gorgonzola pizza. And I have been craving it for a longggg time. Other than CPK, I don't think I know of a place that makes a pear and Gorgonzola pizza anymore, which makes it really hard on me when I have cravings. So, I just made it myself.

1 pizza dough (homemade or store bought)
1 pear
1/2 pound or 8 ounces Gorgonzola Cheese
1 red onion slice
olive oil
Arugula (optional)

Preheat the oven to 425 degrees. Lay corn meal on your pizza stone and stretch it out to the desired width and shape. I have begun to realize that "circle" doesn't really exist when making homemade pizza. Its more of an oblong round shape, but I think it gives it character.

Cornmeal is a must to prevent sticking

Turkey Bacon BLT with Mission Figs and Heirloom Tomato

I spent my morning treating my dog to an excursion at the dog park while I did homework. He was the cutest little pup running around and made another girlfriend named Kai. Such a ladies man. Deciding that I was #1 mommy this morning, lunch time was my treat time. I had already agreed upon busting out this applewood smoked turkey bacon I had got from Trader Joes. But, upon running out of mayo and having to get another jar from the cupboard, I saw them. My figs. My dried black mission figs. And then it hit me.

If you haven't noticed a theme by now, I ADORE (!!!!) salty and sweet together. It might be somewhat of a problem. But think about it; what better way to make your palette dance around in joy than to give it multiple sensations. Turkey bacon and figs? Cmon. It was a no brainer!

2 slices favorite bread, toasted
3 pieces Turkey Bacon
3 Dried Mission Figs
1 small- medium Heirloom Tomato
1 red onion round, sliced on the thinner side
1 tbs mayonnaise
1 handful arugula
2 toothpicks

Start by making sure yout bread is toasting and that your bacon has been crisped. I just turn my pan on medium high, place the turkey bacon in it for a minute or two on each side, and get it crispy.

Candied Mango and Mint Popcorn Squares

This is what happens when you come home and crave something sweet... you make popcorn bars. Trust me, they are worth it. And so delicious. But make sure you only eat one if you can.... oh k maybe two.... three??
1/2 cup popcorn kernels
1/2 canola oil
1/2 cup dried candied mango, diced
1/4 cup roughly chopped mint
1 cup cornnuts, salted
4 tbs butter, unsalted
2 cups marshmallows
Start by making your popcorn. If you don't usually make popcorn from scratch, you should. Its really easy and a lot healthier for you. Take a medium sized pot and pour the oil into it. Next, add the corn kernels. Cover with a lid. Once the popping stops, your popcorn is done.

800 Degrees Pizza

My friend Desiree who works with me at UCLA, and has her own blog Bundts of Steel, has talked about this new pizza place that opened up in Westwood CA a number of times, and I finally went with her on Friday. It is amazing. Its sort of the concept of Subway, where you stand in line, pick you base, choose the add ons, and in a few short minutes get your meal. But instead of being low quality sandwiches, 800 Degrees Pizza is excellent quality, high end ingredient, pizza. PIZZA. Made to order and cooked in 60 seconds. Phenominal.

When you look at the menu, you notice things like prosciutto, rock shrimp, and truffles. Or how about a list of cheese that include Fontina, Smoked Provalone, and a Fresh Burrata Bar. The items to choose from are all high end. Something like mushrooms does not include your traditional Domino's white caps. Instead, you get a slightly marinated mixed group of mushrooms that have been wood fire roasted. They even have charred broccolini.