'Za Mon! (A story about a love for pizza)

Cilantro Pesto - Roasted Red Pepper - Belgium Goat Cheese - Pizza

Some would call me a pizza connoisseur. Pizza is so simple to make and the options for creativity are endless. Not to mention, in 2011 Congress passed a bill that would allow a slice of pizza to be considered a full serving of vegetables, dispelling any grief I could have for consuming my favorite food.

Austin is a fantastic place for pizza lovers. Establishments like East Side Pies and The Parlor immediately come to mind as being top-notch in terms of creative, quality 'za. Unfortunately, as you may have learned from reviewing your monthly bank statements, being a VISTA makes regularly patronizing these types of places a bit difficult. However, I highly encourage you to save $20 and indulge yourself to gather ideas and inspiration to bring back to the kitchen.

Ok, now on to the details. This pizza begins with a garlic and butter base and ends with the most succulent combination of roasted sweet red peppers and artisan goat cheese. In the middle of this goodness lies a homemade cilantro pesto that is as versatile as a six armed monkey. 

Ingredients

Pizza

1 fresh baked pizza crust - Central Market has the best in town

2 tbsp butter

2 cloves garlic

1 red bell pepper

1/2 cup Goat cheese - we used fancy Bulgarian Goat cheese, well-worth the investment

Cilantro Pesto

1 bunch fresh cilantro

4 cloves garlic

1 tbsp white vinegar

1/4 cup Parmesan Cheese

1/2 tsp cayenne pepper

1/2 cups walnuts

1/2 cup olive oil

salt to taste

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.

2. Prepare the Cilantro pesto by blending all of the ingredients in a blender or food processor, reserving half of the olive oil, slowly add the remaining oil until your desired consistency has been reached. Always remember to taste your product! Add more salt if necessary.

3. Julienne the red peppers, lightly coat them in olive oil, and arrange them on a baking tray. Toss 'em in the oven when it has pre-heated. Cook for about 20 minutes until the peppers are soft and slightly charred.

4. Melt butter and garlic in a small sauce pan, being careful not to brown. 

5. Spread the melted garlic butter over the pizza crust.

6. Let butter cool for 1-2 minutes before spreading cilantro pesto over crust. 

7. Arrange the peppers on the crust in the shape of a heart, or triangle, or square, or rabbit. 

8. Crumble the goat cheese onto the pizza in a manner consistent with your desire for cheesiness. 

9. Toss the 'za directly on the oven rack and bake at 400 degrees for 10-15 minutes, keeping an eye on the pizza to ensure proper cooking.

10. Enjoy!