Fennel, Apple, Onion and Pancetta Pizza

1/2 recipe pizza dough
1/2 small fennel bulb

1 small onion

1/2 Granny Smith apple, peeled, cored and sliced

2 1/4" slices pancetta, diced

3 T pine nuts

2 0z Parmigiano Reggiano, shredded

2 0z Manchego, shredded

2 oz fresh mozzarella, shredded

3 T minced flat leaf parsley

3 scallions, cut in threads

12 grape tomatoes

3 large cloves garlic

3 T fresh rosemary, chopped

olive oil

Halve the grape tomatoes, toss them in a little olive oil and dry them for about 25 minutes in a 325º oven. Set aside. Remove the outer layer of the fennel bulb and discard. Cut the bulb in half lengthwise and reserve one half for another purpose. Cut off the root end of the remaining fennel half and slice the bulb crosswise into 1/4" slices. Peel and slice the onion in thick slices. Chop the garlic. Sauté the pancetta until just crisp and drain on paper towels. Toast the pine nuts in a dry skillet over high heat, stirring, until they start to darken; then scoop them onto a paper towel lined plate.

When the pizza dough has completed the second rise spread 3 tablespoons olive oil over the shell and then the fennel, apple and onion slices. Scatter on the rosemary and garlic and bake on a preheated pizza stone 8 - 10 minutes at 450º.

Spread on the cheeses, then scatter on the pancetta and grape tomatoes. Bake 8 - 10 minutes more at 400º, until the crust is golden brown. Scatter on the parsley, pine nuts and scallions, cut in slices and serve immediately.

Flatbread with Oven-Dried Figs, Caramelized Onions, and Blue Cheese

2 3⁄4 cups bread flour, divided
1 package dry yeast (about 2 1⁄4 teaspoons)
1 cup warm water (100°to 110°), divided
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, divided
1 to 2 teaspoons chopped fresh rosemary
11⁄2 teaspoons salt, divided
Cooking spray
2 1⁄4 cups vertically sliced red onion
1 tablespoon sugar
1/2 teaspoon grated orange rind
1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/4 cup coarsely chopped walnuts
20 Oven-Dried Fig halves
1/2 cup (2 ounces) crumbled blue cheese


Lightly spoon flour into dry measuring cups; level with a knife. Combine 1⁄2 cup flour and yeast in a large bowl, stirring with a whisk. Add 1⁄2 cup warm water; let stand 30 minutes. Add 2 cups flour, remaining 1⁄2 cup water, 1 tablespoon oil, rosemary, and 1 1/4 teaspoons salt; stir until a soft dough forms. Turn dough out onto a lightly floured surface.

Knead until smooth and elastic (about 8 minutes), and add enough of remaining flour, 1 tablespoon at a time, to prevent dough from sticking to hands (dough will feel tacky).

Place dough in a large bowl coated with cooking spray, turning to coat top. Cover and let rise in a warm place (85°), free from drafts, 1 hour or until doubled in size. (Press two fingers into dough. If an indentation remains, the dough has risen enough.)

While dough rises, heat remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add onion and sugar; cook 15 minutes or until deep golden brown, stirring mixture occasionally. Add remaining 1⁄4 teaspoon of salt, orange rind, and pepper. Cool mixture slightly.

Preheat oven to 425°.

Punch dough down; form into a ball. Place dough on a baking sheet coated with cooking spray; let rest 5 minutes. Roll dough into a 14 x 12–inch rectangle (about 1⁄4 inch thick). Arrange onion mixture, walnuts, and Oven-Dried Fig halves evenly over dough, leaving a 1⁄2 inch border on all sides. Sprinkle with cheese, and gently press toppings into dough to adhere. Bake at 425 degrees for 20 minutes or until flatbread is golden brown and cheese melts.