Pizza Party

Now that we are back into running season, I am enjoying pasta, pizza and pastries!  That's the joy of running...carb heavy meals prior and post long runs.  So, tonight I was craving pizza.  I don't typically care for your traditional red sauce, mozzarella covered pie so I take creative liberties and make it myself.  I took a few of my favorite ingredients and topped them on a fluffy crust...eggplant, caramelized onions, goat cheese and basil.  Delish, right?  Well...here's how you do it:

1 Large Eggplant

1/2 onion

Pre-made uncooked pizza dough (keep it simple!)

Goat Cheese (crumbled)

Fresh Basil 

Fresh Shredded Mozzarella

Italian Seasoning

Red Pepper

Step 1:  Slice eggplant into 1/4 inch rounds, lay on paper towels, sprinkle with salt to extract moisture from the veggie (about 30 minutes)

Step 2:  Slice onion and caramelize in EVOO until golden - set aside

Step 3:  Pat eggplant dry, cube and place on greased cookie sheet.  Toss eggplant with EVOO, fresh thyme and roast in oven at 450 for 10 minutes or so.  Remove and let cool 

Step 4:  Roll out pizza dough on large cookie sheet.  Drizzle with EVOO, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes and goat cheese crumbles.  Top with onions, eggplant and mozzarella cheese.

Step 5:  Bake at 400 degrees for 10-15 minutes.  Half way through, remove and top with addition cheese and fresh basil, continue to cook until edges are golden brown and cheese is melted. 

Remove from oven, let sit and slice!  Enjoy friends! :)