07-14-09
Mini Peach and Pesto Pizzas
Makes 8 Servings
Ingredients:
1 clove garlic
1 cup loosely packed fresh basil
1/2 cup pecans
1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for drizzling
1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
2 teaspoons red wine vinegar
Salt and pepper
One 13.8-oz tube refrigerated pizza dough
2 tomatoes, sliced into 1/2-inch wedges
2 small peaches, sliced into 1/2-inch wedges
Directions:
In a food processor, chop the garlic. Add 1/2 cup basil, the pecans, 1/2 cup olive oil, the parmesan, vinegar, salt and pepper and puree into pesto. Preheat the oven to 400°. Roll out the pizza dough on a floured surface into a 14-inch square. Cut into 8 squares and prick each one several times with a fork. Place on a lightly floured baking sheet and brush with olive oil. Bake until golden, 12 minutes. Let cool. Spread 1 teaspoon of the pesto on each square and top with overlapping tomato and peach slices. Slice the remaining 1/2 cup basil into thin strips and sprinkle on the pizza. Season with salt.
05-20-09
Shrimp and Andouille Pot Pies
Makes 4 Individual Servings
Ingredients:
1 sheet frozen puff pastry (half of 16-ounce packag e all-butter puff pastry or half of 17.3-ounce package regular puff pastry), thawed
1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
2 tablespoons all purpose flour
1 tablespoon butter
3 1/2 cups sliced leeks (white and pale green parts only; from 3 large)
1/2 pound andouille sausage, cut into scant 1/2-inch cubes
2 large garlic cloves, minced
1/3 cup dry vermouth or dry white wine
1 1.5-ounce package concentrated classic seafood stock (such as Glace de Fruits de Mer Gold) mixed with 2 cups water; or 2 cups bottled clam juice
1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
1 8-ounce red-skinned potato, peeled, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
1 1/2 pounds deveined peeled uncooked jumbo shrimp, cut into 1-inch pieces
Directions:
Preheat oven to 400°F. Roll out pastry on floured surface to 12-inch square. Cut out four 5 1/2-inch rounds. Place on parchment-lined baking sheet; bake until golden, about 15 minutes. Cool on sheet. DO AHEAD: Can be made 1 day ahead. Wrap airtight and store at room temperature.
Preheat oven to 400°F. Whisk cream and flour in small bowl. Melt butter in large skillet over medium heat. Add leeks and sauté until tender, about 10 minutes. Add andouille and garlic and sauté 4 minutes. Add vermouth; simmer until liquid evaporates, about 3 minutes. Add seafood stock mixture and thyme. Bring to simmer. Add potato and cook uncovered until tender, about 6 minutes.
Add cream mixture to skillet; stir. Simmer until sauce thickens and boils, about 3 minutes. Reduce heat. Add shrimp; simmer until just opaque in center, about 3 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
Divide hot filling among four 1 1/4-cup baking dishes. Top each with pastry round. Bake until filling bubbles, about 5 minutes.