Kate's Caprese

It was eighty degrees yesterday and absolutely gorgeous! When the weather feels like this I think your whole mentality changes, including your appetite and cravings. You want to eat something light and fresh and indicative of the season. This past weekend I bought two small basil plants that I hope will eventually turn into bountiful bunches of basil (since it is virtually impossible to find right now..if you have found some please tell me where?). I also found gorgeous vine ripe tomatoes at the grocery store and thought that a summer-esque caprese salad would be perfect. This simple dish has only a few ingredients yet the flavors of those ingredients are so fresh and wonderful.

You Will Need:

• 4 oz mozzarella cheese, sliced 1/4 inch thick
• 1 1/2 vine ripe tomatoes, sliced 1/4 inch thick
• 1/2 Tbsp Olive Oil
• 1/2 Tbsp Balsamic vinegar
• Salt and Pepper to taste
• 4 leaves fresh basil, minced

Here We Go:

• Layer tomatoes and mozzarella on small tray or platter
• Drizzle with olive oil and balsamic vinegar
• Sprinkle fresh basil on top
• Season with salt and pepper

Serves 2 as a Side
Happy Feasting!

Sweet Italian Sausage, Goat Cheese, Sauteed Onion & Green Pepper Pizza

I love pizza on Sunday nights. There is something to be said about eating a home cooked meal on Sunday after a busy weekend where you spent most of your time eating out. Yesterday started out as yet another chilly day, and by mid afternoon it was gorgeous outside. We made this fabulous pizza last night and sat down with the windows open and a big bottle of red wine - perfect end to a weekend!

You Will Need:

• 1 ball of pizza dough (I prefer Whole Foods)
• 1 1/4 cups pizza sauce 
• 1/2 of a 12oz bag of mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 sweet onion, cut into thin strips
• 1/2 green pepper, diced
• 1/4 cup goat cheese, crumbled
• 8 oz sweet Italian sausage, crumbled
• 2 Tbsp olive oil

Here We Go:

• Preheat oven to 500 degrees F
• Roll out dough using your hands or a rolling pin if you have one
• Heat 1 Tbsp olive oil in small skillet and cook sausage 7-10 minutes, or until no longer pink and set aside
• Heat remaining Tbsp of olive oil in skillet and saute onions and green peppers for roughly 10 minutes, or until soft
• Place dough on pizza stone or baking sheet
• Top dough with pizza sauce, cheeses, sausage, onion and green pepper
• Bake for 10-12 minutes on top rack, or until golden brown

Serves 8 Slices
Happy Feasting!