Eating Pizza

I finally am getting back to making meals again. I think they have my order memorized at Qdoba due to us ordered from there some many times in the last few weeks. Between eating there and being spoiled by my mom's amazing holiday meals I have been doing very little cooking. It was absolutely luxurious while it lasted but I have been chomping at the bit to get back in the kitchen.  I already was feeling the itch after such a long break, but added to that my sister bought me three new cookbooks for Christmas that I have been devouring (pun intended) and ready to test out. Though the meal below is one on regular rotation believe me that the food rolling out of my kitchen has all been new recipes...which is both fun and interesting. Last night's spiced rubbed pork butt was close to a success, minus Judah who nearly threw-up after the first bite. Oh well. Someday he will eat food besides carbs...someday...right?

    Now for the pizza. This time it was onions, garlic, sausage, parmesan, cherry tomatoes and pesto. So good.

Anyone else enjoying being back in the kitchen? Or are there some recipes I need to be trying...anyone?? Anyone??

BBQ Chicken Pizza..

           ....with a few jalapenos and red onions....so yummy!

 

 

 

I discovered the recipe on this woman's cooking channel.  If you are a visual learner like me then she might be your new best friend. I did make a slight change to her recipe and used smoked gouda instead of smoked mozzarella, my deli counter was out. I think the smoked gouda made the pizza have this delicious creaminess and I have no plans of ever trying the smoked mozzarella. I held back on jalapenos all over the pizza because usually my hubby does not love that much heat. He said, after trying a bite of mine that next time we should put jalapenos all over. They really add something to the dish.  Let me know if you try this or any of her other recipes out, I plan on devouring many of her dishes in the near future.

 

  And in case you are curious, no my children did not eat this. I made a separate cheese pizza for them, I was in no mood for a food battle on this night.

The perfect meal...every time.

 

My husband and I celebrated our 8 year anniversary on Tuesday and enjoyed a delicious dinner out at one of our favorite restaurants, Fire and Wine , located in downtown Glen Ellyn. After a leisurely long dinner we walked a block down to Blackberry Market where we shared an amazing blackberry brownie and latte. I cannot say enough good about the food at these two places. If you are ever in the area please check them out!

 

This Grilled Romaine Salad (we always split it ) is the best I have ever had.

 

I am a pizza nut, so though there are countless mouthwatering dinner options I almost always get the Sopressata Pizza. Spicy, garlicky, onions, cheese and all on the perfect pizza crust.

The Blackberry Brownie is not only huge (you can share and still have left overs) but it is delicious. I am not usually a huge fruit and dessert fan, but this brownie is one of the exception. Also, coffee from Blackberry Market is always a good idea.