almost vegan pizza

What could be better than starting off Vegetarian Awareness month with a meat-free pizza party?! Pizza is one of those wonderful, easy, versatile meals that I can never get sick of. Seriously, you could put anything on a pizza and it would be delicious.

Last week, me and the roommate opened opened some wine, watched Project Runway, and made ourselves some fantastic homemade pizzas!

Stuff you need: 1. Pre-made pizza crusts- we like the ones from Whole Foods- you get 2 per pack 2. Any toppings your heart desires!

Once again, anything on a pizza will taste amazing. Here were our concoctions:

Molly's Pizza!

Side 1: Brie, chopped garlic, carmelized onions, & arugula

Side 2: Tomato sauce, broccoli, zucchini, green bell pepper, & mozzarella cheese

My pizza!

Side 1: Tomato Sauce, zucchini, red bell pepper, yellow bell pepper, & onion

Side 2: Tomato sauce, tomato slices, fresh basil, & almond cheese

While Molly's pizza was very cheesy, I decided to go with an almost vegan version. My favorite non-cheese cheese is the almond or rice cheese made by Lisanatti Foods. I completely fell in love with it a few years ago, while looking for vegan options to my favorite foods. The texture is impeccable- melts alright, and can be shredded- it's not slimy like a lot of soy cheeses, and best of all the flavor is great. UNFORTUNATELY, it's made with casein, so after all my searching, my favorite vegan cheese isn't vegan at all *sad trombone* If you're looking for a healthy alternative to cheese, I highly recommend this stuff. However, if you're morally opposed to any and all dairy products, this one isn't for you :(

Anyway, it was a delicious pizza party. Both versions were super tasty, and made plenty of food for our lunches the next few days. For next time, Molly recommends getting good quality brie (instead of the cheap-o stuff) so it melts better, and I recommend sautéing the veggies before applying them to the crust, for more flavor, and delicious pizza cohesion. Great night. Great food.

ALSO! Don't forget to check out VeganMoFo when you get the chance! I was too nervous to join in this year, but they're only 3 days in, and there's already TONS of amazing looking dishes! Maybe next year I'll grow a pair and join in the fun :)

tostada pizzas

This is the first time in my life that I've ever lived on my own, and grocery shopping for one is definitely interesting. I'm finding out that food sticks around a lot longer when it's just me, which means when I make a big pot of soup, I eat soup for 12 straight meals. Hm. I need to 1. learn to utilize the freezer and 2. get more creative with my leftovers and large quantity ingredients.

This is the situation I have found myself in with pasta sauce. I have some Newman's Own hanging out in my fridge, and a person can eat only so much pasta. Thus! Tostada pizzas.

Stuff you need: 1. Corn tortillas 2. Pasta sauce 3. Cheese 4. Toppings 5. Italian Seasoning 6. Olive oil

Turn your oven to broil, and while it's warming up, fry up your corn tortillas in a skillet with a splash of olive oil so they're a little crispy. Slice up your toppings, and shred your cheese, and when everything is ready, assemble your wee pizzas. Top the tortillas with sauce, then shredded cheese (I had monterey jack), then your veggie toppings (I used tomatoes), then more cheese (I used parmesan), and finally some Italian seasoning sprinkled over the whole deal.

Pop it under the broiler for 5-10 minutes until the cheese is melty and devour!

I think the corn tortilla was a really nice flavor for the pizza, and it was perfectly crispy and easy to just pop in your mouth! It also came together super fast and totally hit the spot for my gin hangover. Double score.

I will definitely be thinking more creatively towards my ingredients. In fact, Food Network has 50 fun ideas for your pasta sauce. I personally like it over polenta, over steamed broccoli and white beans, and now on creative pizzas too! Lotsa pasta sauce? No problem :)

zucchini pizza boats

Let me start by saying that I'm a total blog stalker. I lurk on tons of blogs, ogle the photos, get all excited about the new posts, but never comment. I know. I'm a creep. One of my favorite haunts is a blog called Budget Bytes. All of the recipes are cost effective, look great, and many of them are vegetarian friendly too!

Last week, I spied this gem of a recipe and had to try it out myself- zucchini pizza boats? Yes please! Her pictures are much prettier, but I still think my zucchini boat looks gooey and amazing!

My one complaint, is that I wish it was more flavorful- however, I 'spose that was my bad :) Instead of following the recipe's measurements, I threw a little of this and that into the zucchini/sauce mixture. Next time, I'll make sure to pay closer attention to the specifications, and add more than just a dash of Italian seasoning, garlic salt, and parmesan cheese. Still! A great, easy recipe, that was apparently only $1.32 per serving. I love it! I will definitely continue to try Budget Bytes recipes in the future!

While I'm on the topic, here is a surprising article about vegan foods- peanuts? Yikes! Also, I'm inappropriately excited about these butterbeer cupcakes (omg Harry Potter July 15), and every single one of these sandwiches. Next time I'm hungover, I'll probably attempt that cheesy mac and rib *drooool* Of course, there are many more delightful things that I'm stalking, but that will have to wait for another time. I have another pizza boat to devour!

pita bread pizza

After a long weekend in Utah (and let's be honest, a long, rowdy holiday season), I'm ready to get back to eating right and being healthy. This super easy recipe was inspired by something I saw in the newest Vegetarian Times. Of course, their recipe was way classier with roasted red peppers, and fresh herbs, but this week I'm just looking for quick, healthy and easy, so this is my pauper version.

Stuff you need: 1. Whole wheat pita rounds 2. Olive oil 3. Pizza sauce 4. Cheese (or vegan cheese) 5. Spices & toppings (I used onions and red bell pepper)

Start by preheating your oven to 400. While the oven is warming up, place the pita round on a baking sheet and assemble your pizza to your liking. On top of the crust, brush olive oil, and then put sauce, cheese, and your veggies, meat substitute and/or spices (I really like herbs de provence, salt, and pepper).

When the oven is hot and the pizza is ready, pop the pita in the oven for about 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melty and the pita is golden.

That's it. A seriously delicious meal assembled and cooked in less than 20 minutes! What's also nice, is that the combination possibilities are endless- any veggie, fruit, or fake meat toppings, vegan or regular cheeses, white, red, or pesto sauces, any spice you got in your cabinet- man I love pizza! This is DEFINITELY a meal that I'll add to the dinner staples.