Grilled Pizza with Asparagus, Caramelized Onions, Hummus and Brie

Perfect Pairing: Sabra Classic Hummus

 

Last week was our annual family vacation at the lake.  I look forward to this week all year.  One of my brothers lives in California so it is hard for all of us to be in the same place at one time.  We had an absolutely wonderful time enjoying each others company, the summer weather, lake, good food, and lots of cute kids.  I miss everyone already!

I am a big fan of unusual pizzas and flatbreads.  I have shared a few creations here…

Caramelized Onion, Fontina, and Prosciutto Flatbread

 

Shrimp and Arugula Pesto Grilled Pizza

 

Smoked Salmon Pizza

 

Even traditional pizzas can sometimes benefit from an update, like with this Prosciutto and Pineapple Grilled Pizza.

 

 

The combination of hummus, asparagus, caramelized onions, and brie on pizza may seem a little strange, but it is one of my all-time favorites.  Using hummus as the “sauce” adds a rich creaminess, and the onions add just the right amount of sweet. 

 

This pizza is great as a main course, but it is also perfect on appetizer night.  We have a lot of appetizer nights at our house.  Usually on app night we serve a dip or salsa of some kind, a salad or veggies, and a crostini.  This pizza fits right in. Add a bottle of chilled white wine and you have yourself a party. 

 

I really like to use Sabra’s Classic Hummus here.  I am not being sponsored in any way to say that, I just really like it. 

 

One year ago on Perfecting the Pairing: Grilled Bacon Wrapped Beer Cheese Stuffed Meatloaf

Two years ago on Perfecting the Pairing: Salted Caramel Cookie Bars

 

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Baked Brie Dip

Perfect Pairing:  Cranberry sauce

I really wish I had a better picture of this dip, a picture that did it justice.  Admittedly, it lacks color, texture, and pretty much everything else that makes a good culinary picture.  Please don’t let that deter you because it is delicious.  I have been making this for years and it never disappoints. 

Brie on its own is fabulous but it is totally transformed when it is melted into this gooey dip.  The addition of cream cheese and sour cream gives the dip a smooth texture.  Cooked onions and garlic add a savory note that is contrasted with a little brown sugar and lemon juice.  It smells so good while it is baking.

The Perfect Pairing for Baked Brie Dip is a spoonful of cranberry sauce.  I discovered this when I made this dip for an appetizer night the day after Thanksgiving and served it with leftover cranberry sauce.  The combination is, well, perfect.  I know, I overuse that word.  If it is not the day after Thanksgiving you can use the store-bought variety.  I usually serve this dip with simple crackers, apple slices, and cranberry sauce. 

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Pork Loin (or Turkey) Crostini with Green Apple, Mango Chutney, and Brie

Perfect Pairing:  Leftover Turkey

I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving! I had a fabulous time with my family filled with lots of good food and laughs.  My mom and I spent the last couple of days getting a jump start on the Christmas baking.  We decided to try our hand at truffles, three different varieties.  At times the kitchen felt a little like Willy Wonka's, but they turned out great.  I will definitely be posting about them!

The internet is flooded with ideas on what to do with your leftover turkey.  In fact, CoolMaterial.com (a website dedicated to "stuff guys want") did a feature on how to use your leftovers, and included a link to my recipe for customized bread bowl breakfasts!  It is hard to beat a turkey sandwich with a little mayo and cranberry sauce, but if even that is getting a little old, try out this crostini.  When I made them I used leftover pork loin, but I think it would be lovely with turkey. 

If you don’t happen to have mango chutney on hand, or if you are not a fan, orange marmalade or apricot preserves would work well.  The tart green apple adds crunch and melted brie makes anything better.

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