Sunday Pizza: 10.24.2010

Over the weekend we made another batch of homemade sausage. L mentioned in an earlier post our first and second permutations of sausage making, and I have to say the second was much better . . . Alone and on the pizza. The photo is of this past sunday's pizza. None was left for lunch on Monday, something we both enjoy.

Sausage Fest!

When I was in jr high my older step-bro came home from a party one night and declared it was a "Total sausage fest!"  It took me awhile to get it but then I thought it was the funniest thing.  

This is a different kind of sausage fest so get your head out of da gutter.  C and I made sausage over the weekend.  This is our second batch of homemade sausage.  We followed the quite clear step-by-step directions over at SimplyRecipes.

The first time we pretty much followed his recipe and cursed the fact that we don't have a scale cuz his ingredients are weights.  What does C do for a living?  Science teacher.  hmmmm maybe we should plan a little better next time eh?

Anyway, the sausage tasted fine but we decided the sherry wasn't pairing well with our pizza sauce.  (don't judge the use of wine wordings for pizza talk)  So for round 2 we decided to up the seasonings (oops still no scale), add crushed red pepper flakes, and use red wine and red wine vinegar in place of the weirdo sherry.  (no offense Hank)  

The next day we put it to the test on our pizza.  C was the smart one who took the picture of the pizza.  Since the photo is on his phone he'll need to post it.  Hint hint :)

Here's the play-by-play:

All the seasoning!

Cubed Pork with Seasoning, ready for grinding

That's C's hunky hands in action

Finished Product!

Low carb menu

Well, my sis may have gestational diabetes.  Totally common, I know, but crucial to stay on a strict low carb (sugar) diet.  In a couple weeks my mom and I are hosting a baby shower for her so I'm adjusting the menu.  Here's what I'm thinking:

Crustless Veggie Quiche
? Chicken salad - maybe this is overkill but I love me some chicken salad...
Roasted cauliflower with Gouda and white cheddar sauce on side to drizzle on top
Green salad with pear/apple, goat cheese and balsamic vinaigrette
Whole wheat rolls (store bought - let's get real here)

Angel food cake for dessert with cool whip (0 carbs), cut strawberries (Optional) and chocolate to drizzle.

Thoughts?

Mac n Cheese heaven

Ok you saw my award winning photo of the Mac before. Here's what it became... Gouda and white cheddar cheese goodness!

Z had THREE helpings! I would have had three helpings but the cupcakes in my tummy wouldn't move over and make room. Stupid cupcakes.

I totally recommend this recipe (see link from earlier post) one thing I will do next time is sprinkle crushed wheat crackers on top with cheese for some crunch. You feel me?

Saturday dinner...

We didn't feel like anything heavy since we pretty much ate all day (must not step on scale). We decided bruschetta fit the bill.

C used a green heirloom tomato plus a red. Nothing fancy, tomato, garlic,onion, basil, balsamic, olive oil, and salt/pepper. Mmm. Sometimes i add white beans but didn't today. Throw it on homemade toasted bread and chase it with wine (or in C's case beer). Yummy.

You'll notice there's an extra bowl of straight balsamic on the table cuz there's never enough for C. When he's out of bread he drinks it like cereal milk.

Proof...like you need it!

Ok C teased me for taking a picture of the pasta. (deserved) but I love those blogs that get all into the step by step. Clearly I'm nit one of those kinds of blogs but I'm ok with that.

Here's one of the cupcakes I made! I bought a piping bag and tips! Very very fun!

Mac and Cheese experiment

Busy day today with no pictures to prove it...  

Cupcakes. Check.  (white cake with white chocolate buttercream frosting from friend, Em's cookbook _Baked_ Thanks Em!)  Oh and yum watch for picture of my overfillde yumminess.

Sausage.  C cubed the pork shoulder and it is in the freezer.  hmmm maybe should take out a little early to thaw some.

Mac and cheese using the recipe from Cozy Kitchen.  About to start cooking pasta now.  I'm halving the recipe cuz Z and I are on our own with Mac and Cheese.  C hates Cheese.  Yes, I still married him.  Yes, he still loves pizza. He's Captain Light-on-the-cheese.  One time a buddy of ours and I got our own pizza with TRIPLE Cheese just to show him.  It was actually disgusting.  Live and learn.  I digress...  here's the link and watch for pix

http://www.acozykitchen.com/smoked-gouda-mac-and-cheese/