A New Chef

Pizza Night

A week ago Andy and I decided to make pizza together. When we have time, Friday nights are the best to slow life down and spend some time in the kitchen together. Andy made the crust and he did a great job!

Love that rolling pin from my mother-in-law!

Here is the EASIEST no rise recipe we use, if anyone is interested. Even someone who has little cooking experience can make it. It tastes great and is really QUICK!

1 package of yeast (2 1/4 tsp)
1 tsp. white sugar
1 c. warm water (110 degrees F)
2.5 c. flour
2 T olive oil
1 tsp. salt

Mix water, yeast and sugar in a small bowl. Best to let this mixture sit for 10 minutes, until dissolved fully. In a large bowl, add flour and salt. Pour yeast mixture into flour mixture. Add olive oil and seasonings (I personally like oregano in my crust). Mix until fully combined. Do not knead your dough too much after the ingredients are combined or your bread will be tough! If you have time, let dough rest for 5 minutes, but it's not necessary. Lightly grease a pizza pan or sprinkle a pizza stone with cornmeal. Roll dough out and place on pan/stone. Add desired toppings and dab a little olive oil on the crust for extra crunch. Bake at 450 degrees F for 15-20 minutes.

*This is a no rise pizza dough but for extra fluffy dough I would (after the dough is rolled out on the pan) let it sit for 30-60 min on the counter or put it in the fridge over night. This will make delicious bread sticks as well!

Oh, how I love the look of fresh pizza on a cutting board!

Ours turned out a little burnt, but that happens in life and it was still a yummy dinner we enjoyed together! :)

Two Years Since Our First Date, Honey!

Monday, the 10th of November was our first date night, two years ago. Andy had previously tried to take me out the Wednesday night before but I had a test the next day so I declined. Oh, I am glad he did not give up! He and his friend came by an hour before the Aggie basketball game that Saturday to ask if my apartment wanted to go to the game with them, but to Andy's (and my) disappointment I was not present for the invitation. Luckily though, I had a great roommate who let me know a little later. We called and met them at the game once I found out what happened...and there was Andy, saving some seats for us behind the group. After the game, he asked me if I wanted to get some ice cream (just him and me :))! And there was our first date...at Zeppies! So lesson to the date-less. Put some effort into dating, and in the end it will work out. :)

So the reason for this story, is that in honor of our first date that led to it all, Andy surprised me with a special tropical dinner this November 10th! When we first met he was intimidated to cook by himself...and now look at him! I am so proud of my honey! <3

Coconut Chicken and Pineapple Vinaigrette Salad. Yum! This was such a fancy and delicious meal!! Andy was born to cook (and bake-he has always been a fabulous baker, btw) !

I loved how pretty this meal was! When I was done eating the
plate had tons of little coconut flakes from the salad. 
It looked like a snow scene!