Simple Summer Flatbread

This month's focus is on eating well with as little time in the kitchen--time-efficient, cost-effective, taste-satisfying college cooking--nothing deserves this title more than this simple flatbread or pizza crust! 

Once the dough rises, it can be refrigerated 2-3 days before grilling or baking--makes enough for four personal size pizzas...each one made to your heart's content with any topping combo imaginable!

(Adapted from The Birchwood Cafe in Minneapolis, MN)

Simple Summer Flatbread

Equipment:

Mixing Bowls

Pizza Pan or stone

Ingredients:

2 tsp dry active yeast

1/2 tsp sugar

2 tsp granulated sea salt 

1 cup warm water

2-3 cups of bread flour

Red Sauce:

San Marzano Tomatoes, hand-torn in their sauce

Kosher salt, to taste

Toppings:

Fresh Mozzarrella 

Basil

Red Pepper flakes

Grated parmesan or pecorino

Instructions:

1. Wash your hands. 
2. Preheat oven to 450-500F degrees.

3. Combine water, yeast, salt, sugar and 1/4 cup of flour. Set aside.

4. Once you notice foaming of the yeast mixture, begin adding just enough flour 1/2 cup at a time until dough begins to form and become "shaggy" without being sticky.

5. Oil a large mixing bowl.

6. Place dough in oiled bowl, cover and set aside in a warm environment to let rise for at least one hour.

7. Once doubled, punch dough, turn it out on a floured board and knead with a little flour by folding dough back on itself with a little flour until no longer sticky. 

8. Divide into quarters when ready to use and stretch or roll out on lightly floured surface.

9. Transfer the flatbread to pizza pan and bake x 5 minutes before toppings.

10. Remove from oven and lightly spoon 1/4 cup of tomatoes and sauce on top--you will think it is not enough--but do not add more.

11. Add mozzarrella, parmesan, and bake at 450F degrees until sauce is bubbly and cheese begins to melt.

11. Broil for 1-2 minutes before removing and topping with basil.

Experiment with any other combos but be careful not to overload the flatbread.
Practice makes perfect!

Minneapolis St Paul Food Finds

Not getting to cook much these days, because I seem to be going-going-going non-stop! However, one benefit is certainly making new friends and finding awesome food joints! This weekend in Minneapolis-St Paul, MN did not disappoint!

Check out these incredible local hangouts I discovered this visit--all worth a re-visit and some worth a trek regardless!

These operations are about local support and giving back to the community while providing exceptional fare, flavors and dining experience! 

Here are my Top 4 Choices this trip followed by other options if you happen to need a solid and well-priced meal! 

Black Sheep Pizza

Multiple locations. The restaurant on Washington Street in Minneapolis is in the  heart of city commotion and near the stadium. Skip the lines and head over to the St Paul's location! 

I tried the Persian Beef withe Feta, Parsley and Harissa Pizza and the Roasted Olives & Garlic for a starter. But the menu is full of surprises and great combinations! Salads are  freshly prepared with seasonal ingredients. Local microbrews are just the "icing on the cake"!

Surly Beer Hall

Grab a bike and ride the back trails in and around Minneapolis with the goal of finding your way to Surly Beer Hall for a full smattering of their standard, and seasonal, microbrews along with some incredible food--BBQ, brisket, phenomenal authentic German pretzels, and farm-to-table options--what a great venue and endpoint to wrap up a day of activity and motion!

Salut

Across the river, St Paul offers another fantastic option for lunch or dinner with a French flare!

Looking for a break from city life, this place will cheer you up on a sunny day and make you feel you crossed the Atlantic! Again, seasonal fare, great drinks with cool concoctions such as the French Riviera and Leetal Beeg Cheezeburger with Pommes Frites!

Finally, I saved my favorite place for last: 

The Birchwood Cafe

Located in the heart of the neighborhood, this cafe is about more than just good, real food--they are involved in change, community projects, charity, mindful living, and promoting social justice, equality, and awareness! 

But, as wonderful as this may sound...the food rocks your world--fresh, local, organic, healthy, delicious, interesting--Birdseed Bread Avocado Toast garnished with edible flowers and fresh herbs or what about Sweet Pea & Basil Pancakes with Grapefruit Marmalade

Before You Leave...

Take advantage of Minneapolis' awesome outdoor space for walking, biking, reading, relaxing! Really some cool options worth exploring close to or within the city:

Lake Harriet & Lake Calhoun

Minnehaha Park & Falls

Downtown Gold Medal Park

Downtown Old Stone Bridge

...and Dogwood Coffee