Tuscan Pizza With Basil Crme Fraiche Recipes

PIZZA WITH FRESH TOMATOES AND BASIL

Steps:

• Position 1 oven rack in the center and the second rack on the bottom of the oven and preheat to 450 degrees F. Sprinkle the cornmeal over 2 rimless baking sheets. Roll out each piece of Pizza Dough into a 10 to 11-inch-diameter round. Transfer 1 dough to each prepared baking sheet.
• Drizzle 2 teaspoons of oil over each Pizza Dough. Sprinkle the mozzarella over the Pizza Dough, dividing equaling and leaving a 1-inch border around each pizza. Arrange the tomato slices in a single layer over the cheese. Sprinkle with the Parmesan. Arrange basil leaves on top, drizzle with a little more olive oil and sprinkle garlic all over. Bake the pizzas until the crusts are crisp and brown on the bottom and the cheese is melted on top, about 15 minutes. Drizzle 1 teaspoon of oil over each pizza. Sprinkle with basil for garnish and salt. Cut the pizza into wedges and serve immediately.
• Mix the warm water and yeast in a small bowl to blend. Let stand until the yeast dissolves, about 5 minutes. Mix the flour and salt in a food processor to blend. Blend in the oil. With the machine running, add the yeast mixture and blend just until the dough forms. Turn the dough out onto lightly floured surface and knead until smooth, about 1 minute. Transfer the dough to a large oiled bowl and turn the dough to coat with the oil. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and set aside in a warm draft-free area until the dough doubles in volume, about 1 hour. Punch the down dough and divide into 2 equal balls. (The dough can be used immediately or stored airtight in the refrigerator for 1 day.)

GAZPACHO WITH BASIL CRèME FRAîCHE

Steps:

• In large bowl, mix all gazpacho ingredients except croutons until well blended. Cover and refrigerate 4 to 6 hours to blend flavors, stirring occasionally.
• In small bowl, mix crème fraîche and basil. Stir gazpacho; ladle into serving dishes. Top each serving with basil crème fraîche and croutons.

TUSCAN PIZZA WITH BASIL CRèME FRAICHE

Steps:

• Follow the package instructions for the preparation of the crust.
• In a small bowl, add rosemary, Italian seasoning, and basil to the creme fraiche. Stir until combined.
• Using a large spoon, place mixture on prepared crust just as you would regular pizza sauce. Leave about 1/2" from all edges.
• Sprinkle diced chicken, green onions, red peppers and sun-dried tomatoes all over the sauce. Add cranberries to the top.
• Sprinkle shredded mozarella cheese over the top.
• Bake in a pre-heated 375F oven for 10-14 minutes (again use pizza crust's directions--the time depends on which crust you've purchased).
• Remove from oven when the bottom of the crust is golden and the cheese is melted.
• Slice, and garnish with additional chopped or torn basil, if desired.

TUSCANY INDIVIDUAL PIZZAS

Steps:

• Place a pizza stone on the bottom rack of oven and preheat to 500 degrees F. for 45 minutes to 1 hour. Dissolve the yeast in the warm water and let stand for 10 minutes. Traditional method: Put 1 1/2 cups of the flour, semolina sugar and salt in a large mixing bowl. Stir to combine. While stirring with a wooden spoon slowly add the yeast mixture until combined. Add the olive oil and continue stirring until the mixture forms a loose ball, adding the remaining 1/4 cup of flour if necessary to form a ball that is not sticky. On a lightly floured board knead the dough for 3 to 5 minutes until the dough is smooth and consistent in texture.
• Food Processor method: With the metal blade inserted, put the flour, semolina, sugar and salt into the work bowl. With the motor running, pour the yeast mixture through the feed tube and process for 30 to 45 seconds or until the dough pulls away from the sides of the bowl. Add the olive oil through the feed tube and continue to process for 1 minute. The dough should have formed a ball. Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead briefly with flour until it is not sticky.
• Both methods continue: Form the dough into a ball and put in a bowl that has been lightly coated with olive oil. Cover the bowl with a damp towel and put it in a warm place until doubled in size, about 1 hour. Roll the dough on a lightly floured surface into a cylinder and cut into 6 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a ball and place on a lightly floured platter. Cover with a damp towel. Using a rolling pin, roll one ball into a circle. Garnish the pizza as desired. Place directly on pizza stone and bake for approximately 4 minutes (Check after 3 minutes) until ready.
• Continue creating individual pizzas.
• La Margherita Pizza toppings: Top the pizza with a tomato puree made up of peeled tomatoes (use canned tomatoes when good quality fresh are unavailable), olive oil, oregano and a pinch of salt. Sprinkle with grated Mozzarella cheese and lightly drizzle olive oil over the pizza. Add salt and pepper for taste.
• La Napoletana Pizza toppings: Top the pizza with tomato puree and sprinkle with capers, mozzarella cheese and top with anchovies. Lightly drizzle olive oil over the pizza.
• Additional Toppings to add as you wish: Italian Ham, Peccorino Romano Cheese, Red and yellow bell peppers, olives, onions, fresh basil and mozzarella cheese.

ASPARAGUS FRITTATA WITH CREME FRAICHE AND CHIVES

Steps:

• Preheat broiler. Whisk eggs, 1/4 cup chives, parsley, Parmesan cheese, half and half, salt and pepper in larg bowl until just blended. Melt butter and oil in heavy nonstick 10-inch diameter omelette pan over medium heat. Add asparagus and onion and sauté until asparagus is crisp-tender, about 4 minutes. Pour egg mixtre over asparagus . Reduce heat to low; cook until edges are just set, about 3 minutes. Using heat-proof spatula, lift cooked edges of egg mixture and tilt pan so uncooked eggs run beneath. Continue cooking until egg mixture is nearly set on top, about 5 minutes. Broil until just puffed and lightly golden on top, about 2 minutes.
• Slide spatula under frittata to loosen. Slide out onto cutting board. Cut frittata into 1-inch squares (can be made 2 hours ahead of time. Let stand at room temperature).
• Arrange squares on serving platter. Spoon dollop of creme fraiche atop each square. Sprinkle with remaining 1/4 cup chives and serve.