Summer Week 9

Contents:
Tomatoes
Peppers
Basil
Cucumbers
Pizza Crust (Earth Elements, Lexington)
Cage-free Eggs (Ivy Acres Farm, Shawnee)
Pizza Seasoning (Native Roots Spice Bar)

We’ve been waiting for just the right time to do a fresh summer veggie pizza and I think we’ve now hit the optimal time for tomatoes! We have literally been up to our eyeballs in tomatoes the past few weeks, not to mention the prolific peppers and basil. Try the caciocavallo cheese from Lovera’s; it is by far my favorite cheese for pizza! Add as many peppers and Doug’s pizza seasoning for extra flavor! Pair with a refreshing cucumber salad for the perfect easy summer meal!

Summer Pizza

1. 1. Tomatoes (about 1 pound), seeded and chopped
   2. 1/2 teaspoon salt
   3. 1 small red onion, cut into thin slices
   4. Fresh mozzarella or other cheese cut into small cubes (about 1 cup)
   5. 3 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
   6. 1/4 teaspoon fresh-ground black pepper
   7. 12-inch pizza crust
   8. 1/4 cup grated Parmesan
   9. 1 tablespoons olive oil

Heat the oven to 450°. Put the tomatoes in a strainer set over a medium bowl. Toss with the salt and let drain for 15 minutes.

In a medium bowl, combine the drained tomatoes with the onion, mozzarella, basil, and pepper.
Sprinkle the pizzas with the Parmesan and drizzle with the oil. Bake directly on the oven rack until the cheese just melts, about 8 minutes.

Grilling Option: The summer ingredients on this pizza make it a perfect candidate for grilling. Brush a tablespoon of oil on the top of the pizza shells and set them, oiled-side down, on the grill. Cook until warm, about three minutes. Brush with another tablespoon of oil, flip the shells, and top with the remaining ingredients. Cook until the cheese just melts, about ten minutes.
Source: http://www.foodandwine.com/recipes/summer-pizza

Tzatziki Cucumber Salad

1 cup plain yogurt
1 large English cucumber
2 cloves garlic, chopped
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
1/2 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon sugar (optional)
2 tablespoons fresh dill

1. Cut unpeeled cucumber in half lengthwise and scoop out seeds.
2. Mix yogurt with garlic, lemon juice, oil and dill. Add half a teaspoon sugar if necessary.
3. Mix all ingredients together, coating the cucumber.
4. Refrigerate and serve cold.

Source: http://www.afoodyear.com/2006/01/06/tzatziki-2/