Pizza for One

​Another super-easy, healthy lunch is pizza for one.  It’s the perfect WFH lunch since you couldn’t do this at the office. It takes only minutes to prep, and two minutes to cook. Here are my two favorites, but I’d love to hear about any special mix of toppings that are your favorites!
 
Pizza #1: Kale Pesto Pizza
 
Step One: I start with 1 bag of pizza dough from Publix. And I cut it in half.
 
Step Two: Preheat the oven to 425 F.  I use a round pizza baking tray to cook mine, but you could use  a pizza stone as well.
 
Step Three - Making the Kale Pesto:
I use my small Cuisinart Mini-chop food processor to make the pesto.  I fill it to the top, and pack it in a little, with Tuscan kale leaves that I removed from the stems. (You will not use the whole bunch – and you’ll use the other leaves later. ) Tear the leaves into pieces before adding them in.  Then add a handful of pecan halves, half of a lemon’s worth of lemon juice, one clove of garlic (minced), a few dashes of sea salt and freshly ground black pepper. Mix it a little, then add 1/3 cup of olive oil and continue to blend. 
 
Step Four:
Roll out the pizza dough thinly, with just a little olive oil on the rolling pin so it doesn’t stick.  Then place it on the pizza tray or stone, and brush the outer edge of the crust with some olive oil.
 
Step Five:
Top the pizza with a layer of pesto, sprinkle shredded mozzarella on top.
Take some of the remaining kale leaves and  chop them before mixing with some olive oil and a sprinkle of salt. Make sure the kale is evenly coated, and then place it evenly on the top of the pizza.
 
Step Six: Bake for 10-12 minutes, based on how hot your oven runs. And voila!
 
BTW - I always seem to end up with leftover pesto that I use for lunch the next day.  I will toast an English muffin, spread the pesto on top, and sprinkle with feta.  Yum!

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Pizza #2: Brussel Sprouts and Red Onion Pizza with Balsamic Vinegar
Note:  This one only takes a few minutes longer than the kale pizza – about 20 minutes max.
 
Step One:
I start with the other half of the Publix pizza dough. Roll it out thinly, with just a little olive oil on the rolling pin so it doesn’t stick.  Then place it on the pizza tray or stone, and brush the outer edge of the crust with some olive oil.
 
Step Two:
Preheat the oven to 425F.
 
Step Three:
Take 4 medium to large Brussel sprouts and trim off the stems and pull off the leaves.  Place the leaves in a small mixing bowl. Add in 2 tsp of olive oil, some salt and pepper, and mix it up. Then set it to the side.
 
Step Four:
Slice four or five thin rounds off of a red onion, and separate the circles.  Add them to a small saute pan with 1 Tb spoon of olive oil and cook over medium heat. Add a dash of salt and red pepper flakes to taste. Toss and cook for 10 minutes. Then add ¼ cup of balsamic vinegar, mix and cook until the onions absorb the balsamic. Then set aside.
 
Step Five:
Top the dough with the red onions, then some mozzarella cheese, and add the brussels on top and finish with some freshly grated parmesan. Cook for 10 – 12 minutes. Enjoy!
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