Pizza Dough (Bread Machine)

We like to have homemade Pizza night from time to time. We all get in the kitchen and roll out the dough, add our favorite toppings and dig in!! This is the best pizza dough recipe I have used. It is easy and works like a charm. It makes 2 large pizza crusts. I add a tsp of Italian seasoning to the dough to add a little extra flavor. Our favorite toppings include: pesto, grilled chicken, baby portabellos, sundried tomatoes, pepperoni, pineapple, ham... course not all on the same one.

Ingredients:
1 cup water PLUS
2 tablespoons water
2 tablespoons oil
3 cups bread flour
1 teaspoon sugar
1 teaspoon salt
2 1/2 teaspoons active dry yeast

1 tsp italian seasoning - my addition/totally optional

Directions:
Place ingredients in pan in order listed or as directed per machine instructions. Select white dough cycle.

When machine is finished, remove and form into crusts. Top with desired toppings and bake at 400 degrees F for 18-20 minutes or until crust is light brown.

Italian Sausage and Veggie Soup

This is my new favorite soup. So much flavor. It is comfort food, a warm hearty welcome at the end of cold day. It was easy to make and tasted fabulous. I found this recipe from the Gooseberry Patch... again. I doubled the meat it called for because my family loves meat. So instead of 1/2 lb, I say use the whole pound. I also suggest sauteing the onions with the meat so they absorb the flavorful fat then just drain the rest.

1/2 lb. Italian ground pork sausage (I used 1 lb)

1 onion, finely chopped

1 clove garlic, minced

3 14-oz. cans chicken broth

1/2 c. white wine or chicken broth

28-oz. can crushed tomatoes in tomato purée

2 zucchini, quartered lengthwise and sliced

2 carrots, peeled and diced

3 stalks celery, diced

1 green pepper, diced

1 t. dried basil

1/2 t. dried oregano

1/2 c. orzo pasta, uncooked (I used small shells/ orchetti)

1/2 t. salt

1/2 t. pepper

Brown sausage in a Dutch oven over medium heat. Drain, leaving a small amount of drippings in pan. Add onion and garlic; cook just until tender. Add broth, wine or broth, vegetables and herbs; bring to a boil. Add uncooked pasta; reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes, until vegetables and pasta are tender. Add salt and pepper to taste. Makes 6 to 8 servings.

Chocolate Bread Pudding

Oh my goodness... Heaven in a bowl. I have been dying to make this recipe once I laid eyes on it and it was just as good as I imagined. You must try this ultimate comfort dessert. Whip Cream is a must for a topping and I suggest sprinkling cinnamon on top. I also suggest setting out all your ingredients and equipment ahead of time so you aren't scrambling around the kitchen, because you need to keep your attention on the milk mixture. But it is SO DELICIOUS!! mmmmmmmm..... I got this recipe from the Gooseberry Patch.

2 c. milk

6 slices white bread, crusts trimmed

1/2 c. sugar

1/3 c. baking cocoa

2 eggs, separated and divided

2 T. butter, melted

1 t. vanilla extract

1/2 c. semi-sweet chocolate chunks

Garnish: whipped cream, cinnamon

Heat milk in a large saucepan just until tiny bubbles form; remove from heat. Cube bread and add to milk; stir until smooth. Add sugar, cocoa and egg yolks; stir until well blended. Add butter and vanilla; set aside. Beat egg whites until stiff peaks form; fold into mixture along with chocolate chunks. Pour into 6 lightly greased custard cups; set cups in a larger pan filled with one inch of hot water. Bake at 350 degrees for 40 minutes, or until firm. Garnish with whipped cream and cinnamon; serve warm or cold. Makes 6 servings.

Homemade Onion Rings

Now I know on New Year's Day you are supposed to eat Black Eyed Peas, Collards and Pork but I don't like Black Eyed Peas or Collards so I'll pass. We, instead, grilled out burgers, corn, baked beans and my homemade Onion Rings. They are super easy to make, they just take TLC on the stove.

Ingredients:

Cup of Flour

Tsp of Seasoned Salt

Tsp of Freshly Ground Black Pepper

Cup of Milk

One large Onion sliced into Rings

Heat canola oil on the stove in a deep pan about an 1 1/2" deep with oil on a Med high heat.

In a large mixing bowl, mix the first 3 ingredients and then slowly add the milk while whisking until it is as thick as pancake batter. Coat the rings in small batches and drop into the hot oil (Better to test the heat of the oil by dropping a small drop of batter in to see if it begins to fry). Place onion rings in the oil in small batches (don't overcrowd the pool). When they are golden brown take out and place on a large plate covered in napkins. Salt them when they are done.

Serve while still warm! YUMMY!!