Pizza Pleasing

Any day off in the summer is a gathering time around barbecues and fire pits. Its all about the flame, the smoke and the heat so any food that can be made around this event is welcome. One of our favorite family meals is grilling pizzas. I got this recipe from "America's Test Kitchen" years ago but is popularity in our home is always anticipated once the weather permits.

You could use either store bought dough or home made, almost any will do. Just roll it out really thin and place it on the grill, once it has bubbled up and browned flip over to a baking sheet and place your favorite toppings on. After it has been assembled put the side that had not been cooked yet on the grill and finish it off with your much practiced grill "marks".

We did a Margarita pizza with an olive oil and garlic base, tomatoes and fresh mozzarella as the toppings and a touch of basil at the end. I am sure that a Hawaiian Pizza would be amazing but its seems to only be my preference as the rest of the crew doesn't take to change that well. So for all of you who love to mix it, let me know your creations and how well they were accepted in your family.

Accepted, Hope.

Pineapple Express

Draker's my one year old is the cutest little thing but some times I feel he is more like a puppy. He is exceptionally friendly and uses his emotions a lot. For example he tilts his head to one side when meeting new people, brings different cups to me depending on if he wants juice, water or milk (kind of like a dog brings you his leash or ball) but most of all he needs to be taken for walks outside at least three times a day. I swear if this won't prepare me for a dog nothing will.

Today the sun is finally shinning and my damp, little heart rejoices. I can stop sitting in the rain, in the cold, in the hail (yes, it hailed this week) and finally enjoy taking Draker's outside. Seeing that the weather looked quite pleasant in comparison with the rest of the week I called a friend and made plans to meet at the park late in the afternoon.

No day in the park would be complete without a picnic so having the day quite free I baked some Zucchini Pineapple Muffins. I think they are the perfect afternoon snack because they are both healthy, sweet and quite delicious. I love to have a piece of extra pineapple on top because it reminds me of the grilled ones but adding a little bit of honey or butter makes it go over the top. By the time I took them out of the oven I was really looking forward on going and since I was already in the kitchen I cut up some watermelon, make a few sandwiches and packed some water for the kidlings. So just in case you feel like heading out to the park this weekend make sure to pack this easy snack.

Zucchini Pineapple Muffins
(Source was from a friend)

1 20 oz. Can Crushed Pineapple
1 Pkg. Krutz Honey Cornbread mix
1 cup. Shredded Zucchini
2 tsp. Baking Powder
Butter for Greasing

Preheat oven to 350 F. Combine all ingrediants in a bowl. Grease mini muffin pan and place mixture in. I placed a slice of fresh pineapple on top and sprinkled sugar on it. Place in oven and bake for 15-20 mins.

I am always looking for new picnic snacks around the time the weather starts to warm up. What are some of your favorites? Let me know, I am a sucker for delicious delights.

Delighting, hope.