9/1/2009

This has nothing to do with this recipe, but I have a small dilemma this summer that I would like to share with you. We were off this last weekend, but Mitzi and I were working hard in the garden. It is harvest time. We made some pickles, and we will can a variety of tomato sauces. We have been trying to dry peppers, but it is so hard to dry peppers in Ohio because it has been a little cool, and the humidity is high. This is where my dilemma begins. Uncle Ronnie lives in Vegas where there is no humidity and it is pretty hot this time of year. He said that he would dry the peppers for me if I ship them to him, but he wants his cut. He thinks that keeping 10% of the peppers would be fair. I am still undecided what to do.

The recipe that I am going to share with you is great for a party. Everyone loves the flavor of pizza. They can be made a day ahead and refrigerated. You can bake a few at a time to keep them fresh throughout the party. Freeze the ones that you don’t use.

French Bread Pizza Bites
(Makes 12)

Ingredients:

12 Pieces Baguette (cut 1.5 inches long)
1/4 Cup Red Onion (Small Dice)
4 Medium Mushrooms (Fresh / Stem Off/ Small Dice)
8 Kalamata Olives (Pitted / Sliced Thin)
1/4 Cup Green Bell Pepper (Small Dice)
1/4 Cup Pepperoni (Small Dice)
6 Large Basil Leaves (Sliced Thin)
3/4 Cup Pizza Sauce (Your Favorite)
To Taste Salt
To Taste Black Pepper (Fresh Ground)
1 Cup Mozzarella Cheese (Shredded)
Garnish Fresh Basil (Bunch)

Procedure:

Push the inside of each baguette slice down to form a small bowl. Place the pieces on a baking tray leaving at least 1/2 inch space between.

Mix together all of the ingredients except for the cheese and basil for garnish.

Stuff the mixture into each bread bowl.

Sprinkle the cheese evenly over each piece.

Bake at 400 degrees Fahrenheit until done. (Approximately 20 minutes)

Remove from oven; garnish with fresh basil.

Enjoy!