In the midst of the fear and uncertainly surrounding the Corona Virus, nothing sounded better to me for dinner tonight than some good old fashioned comfort food. I had all the ingredients on hand – so this was super simple. I pulled together a barbecue chicken pizza, and chocolate chip cookies. This made me feel like I did as a child – when my Mom put a homemade dinner on the table every night. I’m hopeful take-out is not the only thing people will turn to in these stressful times. Making your own meal, and sharing it with those you love is the best way to show you care for them! Make food your love-language!
This barbecue pizza started with my Mom’s homemade pizza dough. This takes about an hour to rise. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
This is the simplest pizza recipe ever.
Dissolve:
1 1/4 c warm water (not scalding)
1 pkg yeast
pinch of salt
2 Tbsp olive oil
Add:
3 c flour (all purpose)
My Mom used to make this dough by hand, and you can too!!
It does require some kneading to get the dough to come together smoothly.
I have adapted the technique by using my stand mixer with the dough hook attachment to do the kneading for me.
This makes a beautifully smooth dough with very little effort, in about 5-7 minutes.
Let rise covered, in a warm location, for about 1 hour.
Topping ingredients:
- 1 bottle barbecue sauce
- fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped
- 2 raw chicken breasts, chopped into small pieces
- 4 slices of bacon, chopped
- 1 med onion, chopped
- Garlic powder, salt and pepper to taste
- 2-3 c shredded mozzarella, cheddar, or cheddar/jack mix.
Saute the chicken, bacon, onion, and seasonings in a skillet, til browned. Set aside.
The recipe will make 1 thicker crust pizza, or 2 thin crust pizzas.
Spread each pizza pan with olive oil.
Spread dough on pan(s) to desired thickness.
Press it out with your floured fingers (like mom always did) or you can use a rolling pin if you prefer.
Top each pizza with barbecue sauce.
Add the chicken mixture, and spread to the edges of the crust. Top with shredded cheese.
Bake at 350 degrees for 20 – 30 min, til bottom browned, and cheese melted and crispy on the edges.
Top with additional barbecue sauce, and chopped parsley or cilantro.
Followed this up with homemade chocolate chip cookies.
I’m feeling like everything is going to be OK!
Chocolate chip cookie recipe:
Ingredients:
- 1 c unsalted butter, room temp
- 1 c packed light brown sugar
- 1/2 c granulated sugar
- 1 Tbsp vanilla extract
- 2 eggs
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp salt
- 3 c all purpose flour
- 2 c semi sweet chocolate chips
- 1 c chopped chocolate bars, chopped heath bars, or nestle crunch bars
- 3/4 c chopped walnuts or pecans
Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper.
In a stand mixer, beat butter, and sugars til light and fluffy.
Add eggs, vanilla, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Mix til combined.
Slowly add the flour, and mix til combined.
Fold in the chocolate chips, chopped chocolate, and nuts.
Form the dough into about 12 large cookies, and place on prepared pans at least 1″ apart. Sprinkle with extra chocolate chips, chopped nuts, and a sprinkling of sea salt.
Bake for 15-18 min, til just brown around the edges. Switch oven racks 1/2 way through baking. Cool completely.
These will freeze well for up to 3 mo.
