Pizza and Subs

It's hockey playoff season...the Pens are moving on to the second round and I'm excited. Do I smell a repeat?!!! Well, I definitely smell something delicious. Like a hot toasted sub right out the oven or perhaps a homemade pizza. Who needs delivery when you have time to whip up something like an large buffalo chicken pizza with extra hot sauce? That's right no one. I made some pesto the other day...it's pretty delicious if I do say so myself. Here's what you need:

Pistachio & Arugula Pesto

1 scant cup of shelled pistachios
1 1/2 packed cups of arugula
juice of 1 lemon (may need more if you don't get much juice)
1 garlic clove, crushed (I used a zester for this)
about 10 mint leaves
salt & pepper
1/3 cup of olive oil

Add all the ingredients except for the olive oil into a food processor/blender. Combine all ingredients and slowly stream in the olive oil until you reach a desired consistency.

Voila! That's it. Delish!

Add to your favorite sandwich. I made mine with lots of sharp Irish cheddar cheese and lots of fresh veggies. But now let's talk pizza!!!!!

Mmmmm...pizza! Everyone loves pizza - don't try to tell me you don't because I know you do. It's one of those perfect foods - especially when you have a bunch of people that are hungry. Make some of your favorite pizza dough or pick some up at your local pizza shop (mine charged me only $2 for an XL dough ball). Mix up your favorite sauces, cheeses and toppings and your set. Grill it or bake it and you're ready! Beer me!

Buffalo Chicken Pizza

1 prepared pizza dough (16 inch works well)

1/2 cup Alfredo sauce

1/2 cup franks red hot (plus more for topping)

1 1/2 cups of diced grilled chicken (or vegchicken)

2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

1/2-3/4 cup of crumbled blue cheese (optional)

blue cheese or ranch dressing for topping

1. Combine 1/2 cup of the Frank’s Red Hot with the Alfredo sauce. Reserve until needed. Next toss the chicken with some hot sauce for an extra kick - not necessary.

2. To make each pizza: Preheat oven to 475-500°F. Stretch pizza dough to 14-16″ and spread the Red Hot and Alfredo sauce evenly over the dough within 1/4″ of edge. Now sprinkle cheese evenly over sauce, and follow with the diced chicken and crumbled blue cheese (if using). Bake 12-15 minutes. Drizzle with bleu cheese or ranch dressing and a bit more hot sauce if that's your style. Serve it up!

Serves approximately 6 people