I'll take this quick break here to give credit where credit is due. I did not think up this idea all on my own. However, its been years since I once saw this idea in a magazine somewhere, and I honestly can't remember where. The fact is, though, that although the general idea was not mine, the recipe is. :)
Here's what you'll need:
1 Individual Size Thin and Crispy Pizza Crust
2 Tbsp Pizza Sauce
1 link Sweet Italian Sausage
Grape Tomatoes (about 8)
1-2 Tbsp Fresh Chopped Basil
Fresh Grated Parmesan (about a Tbsp)
Minced Garlic (about a Tbsp) - if fresh, 1 small clove
Fresh Mozzarella (Pearls)
First, pre-heat your oven to 400 degrees (F). (Bear with me on the remaining directions, I'm going to write them in "Cooking for Dummies" style. My friends will appreciate this.)
<-- (Cut the casing from one end to the other, then peel off.)
Once you've peeled off the casing (which should be discarded, by the way), you'll brown the sausage just like you would hamburger. Once it is browned, drain any grease and let cool a little (so you don't burn yourself later). If you're not familiar with how to brown hamburger (seriously, "Cooking for Dummies"), Google it. Here's my photo example. -->
Once you've layered your leaves, you will roll them to make cutting easier. Hold rolled basil leaves tightly and cut "julienne" style. Use of a sharp knife is highly recommended.
Mix together tomatoes, basil, fresh Parmesan and garlic. You can use the minced garlic found in a jar at the store, or mince your own fresh garlic. Fresh will taste better, but let's face it, garlic is not the star of THIS meal. (If using fresh, use one SMALL clove, as fresh is much more potent than the stuff in the jar.)
When buying fresh mozzarella, you have choices. You can buy it in a "ball," "log," or "pearls." for this recipe, I choose the pearls, although you can cut any into what you will need for this pizza. Take a handful of the pearls and cut into quarters.
At this point, you're finally ready to assemble your pizza. Tips:
1) You don't need to measure the pizza sauce. Use as much as you like. Can you use spaghetti sauce? Yes. Whatever you'd normally put on your pizza is perfect for this one.
2) Try to layer evenly. Does it need to be perfect? No. But when you eat it, you want to taste a little bit of everything in each bite. After all, that's what eating is all about: the taste. You should enjoy your food.
3) Be generous with the cheese. If you choose to use the "ball" of mozzarella and slice instead of cut into pieces, make the slices kind of thick.
4) Let the cheese brown a little. It adds more flavor.
Bake in your 400 degree oven for about 8-10 minutes. If you'd like the cheese a little browner, leave in a couple more. Just make sure not to over bake the crust. Here's what I like mine to look like:
Finally, use your pizza cutter (or chef's knife) to cut into four pieces and ENJOY!
Like the cheese a little more browned & yummy (picture at top)? Broil for a couple minutes at the end of baking time. Things under the broiler can burn quickly, so make sure to watch it closely!
IN A NUTSHELL:
1 Thin and Crispy Pizza Crust
2 Tbsp Pizza Sauce
1 link Sweet Italian Sausage
Grape Tomatoes (about 8)
1-2 Tbsp Fresh Chopped Basil
Fresh Grated Parmesan (about a Tbsp)
Minced Garlic (about a Tbsp) - if fresh, 1 small clove
Fresh Mozzarella (Pearls)
Pre-heat oven to 400. Remove casing and brown sausage. Dice tomatoes. Chop basil. Mix tomatoes, basil Parmesan and garlic. Cut fresh mozzarella into small pieces. Assemble pizza. Bake 8-10 minutes directly on rack. Remove, cut, and give your taste-buds something they deserve. ABSOLUTE GREATNESS.
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