Saving Pineapples

I love this time of year when the fresh markets open with an abundance of fresh fruits and veggies.

If you are staying on campus for summer classes or simply working to pay for tuition next year...great ways to cut your grocery bill is buying local and/or buying in bulk when certain produce is in season. 

What's even better...having a freezer! Almost any produce or fruit can be frozen for future use. Nothing like fresh tropical flavors in the middle of winter or on a rainy day!

See previous posts for Freezing Bananas and Saving Mangoes.

Saving Pineapples

Equipment: 

Large, sharp knife

Freezer bags

Ingredients:

Fresh Pineapple

Instructions:

1. Wash your hands. 

2. Cut off the base and top.

3. Now cut the pineapple into quarters.

4. Trim off the tough core /center.

5. Split each quarter into half.

6. Closely cut the pineapple flesh at the base and then slice into bite-size chunks of goodness.

7. Have your freezer bags ready.

8. Once you have the bag 3/4 filled, try to flatten into a single layer.

Lying things flat in the freezer minimizes space needed. Best of all, you now have fresh flavors for the upcoming weeks and you have reduced wasting food and money!

Light House Pizzeria

Pizza and college go hand in hand. And if you are anything like our son, you like a smorgasbord of variety. Look no further.

Beyond turning the oven to 450 degrees, you just need to get the fixins on the counter and start assembling! These are easy and scrumptious any which way you like them.

Below are two personal favorites, but traditional combos are good too. Branch out. Let your taste buds live a little.

Light House Pizza

Equipment:

Baking Sheet

Ingredients-The Basics:

1 bag Gyro Bread / 'no pocket' Pita Bread

Pizza Sauce (I suggest San Marzano)

Olive oil 

Shredded Mozzarella cheese

Fresh herbs if possible (oregano, basil)

Add-ons:

Tomatoes, sliced and/or roasted

Mushrooms, Sautéed

Sausage, cooked & drained

Fresh Mozzarella

Pepperoni

Artichokes

Pineapple

Canadian Bacon

Jalapeño, thinly sliced

Instructions:
1. Wash Your Hands
2. Pre-heat oven 450F degrees.
3. Place 3-4 gyro bread rounds on a baking sheet and heat for 4-5 min until just beginning to crisp

4. Remove from oven.

5. Drizzle or brush olive oil onto to rounds.
6. Spread 1-1 1/2 Tablespoons of your favorite pizza sauce.
7. Sprinkle a handful of shredded mozzarella cheese.

8. Begin the journey with your favorite combos:
-Pineapple, Canadian Ham, Fresh Mozzarella, Fresh Jalapeño
-Sauteed Mushrooms & Caramelized Onions (see previous blogs)
-Artichoke Hearts, Canadian Ham, Fresh Mozzarella
-Tomato Slices, Fresh Mozzarella, Basil
-Mushroom & Sausage / Pepperoni

9. Once pizzas are assembled, drizzle with olive oil.  Salt & Pepper. Red Pepper Flakes.

10. Put in the oven for 8-10 minutes until cheese melts and golden brown.

11. Enjoy the flavors, friends, and fun!  They will be back for Light House Pizza!

Visit the Windy City for it's deep dish pizza!

Or Visit www.zazzle.com/bandiliciousinc* for cool Chicago gear!

Like the design, but want a different product?  Just buy the image file at:

http://www.shop.bandiliciousinc.net

Chicago Retro Mousepad

Chicago Retro Water Bottle