One of the things you learn after 34 years of marriage is the delicate ballet of who-does-what. The dance has changed with Charlotte and me over the years, but the one thing that's been a constant is that Friday and Sunday night dinners are my territory.
That doesn't mean I channel my inner Bobby Flay (couldn't even if I tried) but it does mean I'm responsible for the meal. Charlotte's OK with me calling our favorite neighborhood pizza guys iFratelli or taking her out to a local restaurant. But, when I don't choose either of those options, I fall back on a handful of tried-and-true recipes.
If You Don't Want the Heat...Stay Out of the Jalapenos
Spicy English Muffin Pizza
Yield: 1 dozen mini pizzas (each pizza is one-half an English muffin)
Preheat oven to 450 degrees.
Split the English muffins in half and place open-side-up on a greased cookie sheet.
Spray each half with 2-3 squirts from the Wish Bone Salad Spritzers Italian Dressing.
Sprinkle with garlic bread seasoning and Italian seasoning; then top with shredded parmesan cheese.
Bake 10 minutes; Remove from oven and let cool for 10 minutes. Lower oven heat to 400 degrees.
Put 2 tablespoons pizza sauce on each English muffin half.
Top each one with 1/2 teaspoon chopped green chilies. (Omit this ingredient if you don't like spicy food.)
Then layer each muffin half with provolone cheese followed by pepperoni, sliced jalapenos and sliced cherry tomatoes to taste. Note: If you don't want the HEAT, delete the jalapenos.
Place uncovered English muffins in oven; bake at 400 degrees for 20 minutes, or until cheese begins to bubble and turn brown.
Remove from the oven and let stand 5 minutes. Serve.
You might also enjoy:
Quick Chicken and Goat Cheese Pizza
Pingates
Prepare your own Mexican quick fix with this Chipotle-inspired bowl. Carbs are moderated by filling the bowl with beans, extra veggies and chicken. No need for rice, since the beans count as carbs.
Tips:
If you love tomatoes, increase the quantity to 1/2 cup, but note that the carbohydrates will also increase.
If preparing this recipe for one person, cut all of the ingredients in half. Or simply prepare the full recipe up to the end of step 2 and store leftover chicken and vegetable-bean mixture in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the microwave on High for 1 to 2 minutes, or until heated through, and continue with step 3.
Health Bite: The iron, calcium, magnesium, manganese, copper and zinc in black beans help to keep bones strong and healthy.
Follow us on Twitter: @BoomerBrief
and @CharlotteBoomer
Know someone battling cancer? Baylor Health Care System's Sammons Says... cancer blog is a great place to go for help. Here, you'll find information, resources, physicians, support groups and just about everything you need to help you navigate your way through this illness.
Senior Forums is a great place to get the news and share views on everything from hobbies and healthcare, to food, family & travel.
Matt Drudge gets the goods and his site ain't bad either.
You don't have to live in Dallas to enjoy D Magazine.
