Duelling Pizzas

Not to be confused with Duelling Banjos.

This past Saturday I ended up working through the usual family dinner hour. Knowing that I would also be coming home to an empty house, I had to come up with something quick to make for dinner when I did finally get home. On my drive to work, pizzas came to mind. I just wasn’t sure what kind I wanted.

I knew we had some turkey pepperoni in the fridge, and thought I’d just make a classic pepperoni and mushroom pizza. And by classic, I mean it would contain at least the pepperoni and mushrooms.

But then I had a customer come through with a package of those sweet little fresh west coast shrimp. It got my creative pizza juices flowing, and soon I had the idea for a west coast inspired pizza in mind.

The question then became – how do I decide which pizza combination to make?

The solution – just make both!

Obviously, I wasn’t going to be scarfing down both pizzas in one sitting. But I figured since I was working all day on Sunday, why not just make one to take for lunch? I always love taking “fancy” homemade lunches to work – people always comment on them. Because apparently, making your own delicious food for work when you work in a stocked grocery store is weird. Whatever – who wants to be normal anyways?

Upon careful deliberation (with the voices in my head), I decided that the shrimp pizza would be better eaten hot out of the oven, while the pepperoni would keep better for a cold pizza lunch the next day.

West Coast Shrimp & Avocado Pita Pizza

serves 1

This pizza combines the fresh west coast shrimp, creamy avocado, sharp red onion and sweet corn on a bed of spinach, with a garlic white “sauce” instead of the traditional tomato sauce base.

• 1 pita, preferably whole wheat
• 1 wedge Laughing Cow cheese
• garlic powder and black pepper
• 1 cup baby spinach leaves
• 2 – 3 mushrooms, sliced
• red onion, thinly sliced
• 2 – 3 tbsp corn (fresh or frozen)
• 50 g fresh west coast shrimp (not previously frozen – you want flavour!)
• 1/4 avocado, chopped
• your favourite pizza cheese to top (I used a combination of mozzarella and cheddar)

1. Preheat oven to 425 degrees F.
2. Spread Laughing Cow cheese on pita, then sprinkle with garlic powder and black pepper to taste.
3. Spread the spinach evenly over the pita, then layer topping as you see fit. I like my cheese on top to hold it all together.
4. Bake for 12 – 15 min, until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and starting to brown. Allow to sit for a few minutes before cutting in. Enjoy!

Deluxe Turkey Pepperoni & Mushroom Pita Pizza

serves 1

A healthy twist on your classic pepperoni and mushroom pizza, full of Italian flavours.

• 1 pita, preferably whole wheat
• 2 – 3 tbsp pizza sauce (or more if you like it saucy)
• 1 cup baby spinach
• 2 – 3 mushrooms, sliced
• red onion, thinly sliced
• 50 g turkey pepperoni, thinly sliced
• 3 marinated artichoke hearts, sliced
• 2 – 3 tbsp red pepper, diced
• mozzarella cheese, or your favourite Italian pizza cheese

1. Preheat oven to 425 degrees F.
2. Spread pizza sauce on pita.
3. Spread the spinach evenly over the pita, then layer topping as you see fit. I like my cheese on top to hold it all together.
4. Bake for 12 – 15 min, until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and starting to brown. Allow to sit for a few minutes before cutting in. Enjoy!

What would your ultimate pizza combination be?