Pizza

Nothing like a good pizza pie to kick off a holiday weekend. I've just prepped my dough and toppings for my own little celebration. I thought I'd share my favorite recipes for homemade pizza that you can make for your family and friends. Better yet, save yourself effort by making a simple pizza dough and provide the toppings. Let your guests have fun doing the rest.

Recipes. Here are two great recipes for homemade pizza dough. You'll save time making these recipes. They're quicker to make than ordering take-out and much cheaper to make than buying a pre-made pizza.

King Arthur Flour - Easiest Pizza You'll Ever Make. Great basic recipe that is easily completed by hand. Consider adding 2 tablespoons of Olive Oil and 1 tablespoon of a herb (e.g., rosemary or Italian seasoning) for an extra flavor boost.

Sarah Moulton Food Processor Pizza Dough. Another great recipe but this recipe requires you to use a food processor rather than hand mix. Try making her Middle East Pizza or Grilled Southwestern Pizza. Fantastic combinations of flavors that can bring out the very best in your pies!

Music. When I make pizzas, I play Italian music. I think music adds alittle something to the dinner. So head off to the library, and check out compilation of Italian bistro music or perhaps so Pavarotti. Or download some songs:
- songs for your Italian dinner. recommended by my friend Robert
- the ideal Italian dinner party - recommended by Global Journey
- The Godfather and Cantable for the Violin and Guitar - by LastFM

Games. While the pizzas are baking in the oven, it's always good to have a few activities planned to keep friends and family entertained. A few ideas listed below that are fun for both adults and kids.
- Personalize Chef Hats.
- Kitchen Charades
- Hot Pizza (a twist on the "hot potato" game)
- Trivia (take a few cards from a Trivia Pursuit Game and pass them around for guest to read and ask others for answers)

Go Fish

Good Housekeeping's recent article on anti-aging mentions that its smart to consume omega 3s in fatty fish like salmon as part of anti-aging diet. Benefits of eating salmon including: lowering your choloesteral levels, increases collagen levels, reducing the visibility of wrinkles, and gives your brain a boost by leading to improved moods and attitiude. Silly me. I just thought it tasted good!

Anyhow, besides sharing the benefits , I thought I would share with you a favorite quick, easy to make recipe. It works well as a serving for one and can be doubled as needed.

Oven Roasted Salmon
Serves One

Ingredients
2 Tablespoons butter
4 oz salmon filet (skinned)
Salt and Pepper, or your favorite seafood serving.

Prep Steps (10 minutes start to finish)
1. Place 2 Tablespoons of butter in a baking dish with a 2" sides.
2. Place dish in oven. Pre-heat oven to 475 degrees. Butter will melt during the pre-heating.
3. In the meantime, season both sides of the salmon filet
4. Place salmon in butter dish. Cook 6 minutes.
5. Flip salmon. Cook another 6 minutes.

Observations

• Almost any dry-rub seasoning can be used in this recipe. I like the CharCrust brand, particularly the Ginger Teriyaki and the Garlic Sun-dried tomato dry rubs. Approx. $3.99 a box at the local supermarket or butcher shop.
• For a quick meal, serve with sides of wild rice and steamed asparagus. Yum.

Note: Dedicating this blog entry to Ralph L - May you never have another lousy fish dinner!