Rosie And Mr. Hawthorne Make A Pesto Pizza.

Mr. Hawthorne and I were having guests

for dinner the other night -

Xmaskatie, Brother Xmaskatie, Sister-in-law Xmaskatie,

and Niece Xmaskatie.

And we're preparing pesto pizza,

among other things.

I had the usual chips with homemade salsa and creme fraiche,

boiled shrimp with a cocktail sauce

and a favorite appetizer of mine.

I've made this appetizer numerous times

and it's always a winner, even for people who don't like salmon.

All it is is a Triscuit with cream cheese spread over top,

next a slice of cucumber,

then a thin slice of Salmolux,

all topped with chopped red onion,

sliced green onions,

fresh dill,

and capers.

This time I added a special ingredient

to give it a little peppery punch -

arugula.

(After all, arugula is growing in my garden now.)

Cantcha jes see all the flavors?

If you like, you could add black lumpfish caviar,

Mr. Hawthorne's favorite.

Now for the pizza.

Here's my basic dough

just after being mixed all together.

Here's my basic recipe for

bread dough.

If you haven't made your own dough,

please don't be intimidated by it.

Go ahead and try it.

You'll be happily surprised.

After kneading for about 10-15 minutes,

I have this nice, smooth, elastic dough.

I oiled the bowl, rolled the dough around in the oil, then covered with plastic wrap.

Here's Rosie's Tip #267 for rising dough:

Wet a towel,

nuke it for about 90 seconds,

so it's nice and hot,

then wrap the towel around the bowl,

and leave it in the microwave or oven.

The heat and steam helps the dough rise.

Now for the pesto:

I picked a packed cup of basil leaves.

Cup of pecans.

Cup of grated Parmesan cheese.

2-4 garlic cloves, depending on how garlicky you like it

(I used 4.)

1/2 cup olive oil

First I processed the garlic cloves.

Then I added in the basil and the pecans.

I processed the garlic, basil, and pecans ...

... then added in the Parmesan cheese.

With the processor going,

slowly pour in the olive oil.

Taste test.

Add a little salt and pepper.

Here's my happy little pesto.

My pizza dough is ready for its smack-down.

I spread the dough out in my oiled pan,

then let it rise.

And next, I forked the dough

and browned it.

Mr. Hawthorne, covered the crust with pesto

and added some cooked pieces of sausage.

Cheese went on next.

Then tomatoes and more cheese.

Into a 425 degree oven

until the cheese is melted and browned.

Here's Sister In Law Xmaskatie

and Niece Xmaskatie

getting acquainted with Beau.

Beau gives good hugs.

Oh yeah, the pizza?

It's gone.