Saturday 23 July 2011

Pizza time!

One time when I had some friends over for dinner, one of them suddenly asked, "Michael, have you ever had fast food or ordered a take-out?". Well, of course I had both fast food and take-out before, but I love cooking, so it's very, very rare. Even after a long day, I still prefer home-cooked meals or eat out at nice place. I'm not into fast food, but what I like is good food... fast. Nothing complicated, mostly pasta dishes, like linguine with pancetta, garlic, parsley and freshly grated parmesan, but when I'm really tired, I make spaghetti with pesto from a jar or spaghetti with Marmite, anyone? It's dangerously addictive and delicious.

Not a long time ago, I was asked to review Domino's newly launched Reggae Reggae pizza, and I thought, well, pizza is one of my favourite foods, and it's been a while since I had pizza from a joint place, what the heck, I'll give it a go. It's a Caribbean inspired pizza with BBQ Reggae Reggae sauce on the base and topped with roast chicken, green peppers, tomatoes, pineapple and mozzarella cheese. Sounds alright. So, last weekend, I ordered the pizza online (it amazes me what you can do on-line today) and the delivery guy arrived bang on time which was even more amazing. First bite of the pizza, my friend and I were not a fan. The pizza was dry and just lacked of flavours. Perhaps, I am spoilt. I have had some great pizza at restaurants and regular pizza just won't do.

Feeling disappointed, today I decided it's about time for a home made pizza... dough and all. Making pizza dough is surprisingly easy and I thoroughly enjoy the process. Russell from Chasing Delicious is a pizza fanatic and he makes some fantastic pizza and I recommend his pizza dough recipe.

Once the dough is formed, the possibilities for toppings are endless. Today, I topped my pizza with all of my favourite flavours. I brushed the pizza base with extra virgin olive oil before a generous scatter of mozzarella cheese (my preference is fontina or provolone, but the store didn't have it today... typical.), caramelised red onions, roasted fennel, green olives, artichoke hearts and cubes of pancetta.


Bake in a hot oven for 20-25 minutes and it's done. A tiny sprinkle of freshly ground black pepper and fresh oregano leaves, and now that's a pizza! What are your favourite pizza toppings?

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11 comments:

  1. PFx24 July 2011 at 00:44

    Always feel that awesome bliss when making a pizza, don't you think?
    It's a lot more easier than most people think, so it's a definite dinner party pleaser. I love the artichoke and pancetta topping. Sweet bro!

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  2. Maureen24 July 2011 at 03:23

    I always make pizza at home. I get exactly what I want and in the quantity that I want and my pizza stone works really well. Your pizza looks great!

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  3. elisabeth@foodandthriftfinds24 July 2011 at 04:59

    I'm with you Michael. Homemade pizza is so much better than takeout, and the best part is you can top it with whatever you have on hand in the fridge.
    I like just about any topping...not choosy!
    Your pizza looks so yummy, and the toppings with the caramalized red onion, artichokes, fennels, makes me so hungry now, but it's really late for pizza...thanks for sharing. Loving it!

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  4. elisabeth@foodandthriftfinds24 July 2011 at 04:59

    I'm with you Michael. Homemade pizza is so much better than takeout, and the best part is you can top it with whatever you have on hand in the fridge.
    I like just about any topping...not choosy!
    Your pizza looks so yummy, and the toppings with the caramalized red onion, artichokes, fennels, makes me so hungry now, but it's really late for pizza...thanks for sharing. Loving it!

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  5. Unknown24 July 2011 at 06:20

    I love homemade pizza too Michael. It just tastes so good and the smell of the house is mouthwatering. Yours looks so good!

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  6. Victoria24 July 2011 at 11:15

    YUM YUM YUM!! i have to confess that I have taken to buying frozen pizzas for a quick midweek meal...but i always prefer to make the dough and experiment with toppings when i have a chance...and excuse for a Pizza Party!!!

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  7. LaMagicaZucca24 July 2011 at 15:56

    Browsing the web of blogs, I ended up here in yours.
    I love your blog: Recipes, graphics, all the interesting content.
    I have added to your followers so you do not lose more sight.
    If you like, go and see, you're welcome.
    Excuse my English, I'm Italian
    La Magica Zucca

    ReplyDelete
  8. Magic of Spice25 July 2011 at 22:23

    Spaghetti and marmite? That is different for
    sure :) Sorry that the pizza was disappointing but your looks a million times better anyway :)

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  9. Unknown26 July 2011 at 14:01

    Chris always tells me I don't have to cook, we can order in... WHY?? :) I love to cook too and most of the time, unless I'm just really exhausted, I'd rather cook too. Plus, it helps me wind down after a long day!
    Love making pizza at home, it's so much better than delivery :)

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  10. Unknown27 July 2011 at 00:40

    Your homemade pizza looks miles better than anything the pizza delivery guy can drop off at your door! As for favorite toppings, I just made 3 kinds for the kiddies yesterday and they were: margarita, Shiitake mushrooms and pepperoni, and chicken with olives and fresh pineapples. My kids will eat anything I put on pizzas! LOL.

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  11. Vardhini27 July 2011 at 06:46

    Lovely blog. Home made is always best :). I am having a giveaway .. check it out when you get a chance.

    Vardhini
    Check out my 100th post giveaway

    ReplyDelete

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