Nifty Pizza #7 - Connecticut!

We had a lot of ideas when starting out on the Connecticut Pizza. After some intense research (pizza research really is the best kind there is, though), we learned that this New England state is known as "The Nutmeg State", so we knew that had to be encorporated somehow. We ALSO stumbled upon this food map , which told us that Connecticut is famous for hamburger. Most importantly, it is the state where The Gilmore Girls reside. All of these clues led us to Pam's favorite Nifty Pizza to date...Lucky #7!!

Nifty Pizza #7: Connecticut!
First prepare the Burger Sauce:

2 Tbsp Extra-Virgin Olive Oil
1 small Yellow Onion, diced
1 package of Soy Crumbles
1/2 cup diced Tomatoes, fresh or canned (just make sure to drain well)
1/2 cup Pizza Sauce
1/8-1/4 tsp Crushed Red Pepper Flakes

Heat oil in skillet on med-high and saute onion until transluscent. Add soy crumbles and brown slightly. Stir in diced tomatoes, pizza sauce, and red pepper flakes. Simmer for 2-3 minutes to heat through and blend the flavors. Then remove from heat and let cool slightly. Heat oil in skillet to med-high and saute onion until translucent. Add soy crumbles and brown slightly. Stir in diced tomatoes, pizza sauce and crushed red pepper flakes. Simmer for 2 -3 minutes to heat through and blend the flavors. Then remove from heat and let cool a little so as not to shock the pizza dough too much.Next up, the Nutmeg Greens with burger fixins!

2 Tbsp Extra-Virgin Olive Oil
1/2 package of Baby Bella Mushrooms (about 6), cleaned and sliced
1/2 bundle of Kale
Handful of Black Olives, sliced
Grated Nutmeg, to taste
Ground Black Pepper, to taste

Heat oil in skillet to med-high and saute mushrooms until darkened. Add kale and toss as it wilts down. Add olives, grates of nutmeg, and black pepper. Heat through.

Now, you're ready to assemble the Connecticut pizza! Along with the burger sauce and nutmeg greens, you will need:

Pizza dough for 1 crust

1/2 package of Daiya Mozzarella "Cheese"

1/2 cup Vegan Parmesean "Cheese"

Ground Black Pepper, for garnish

Stretch dough on pizza pan or stone. Top with burger sauce, followed by the nutmeg greens. Finally, sprinkle with Daiya, Vegan Parm, and a smattering of fresh black pepper. Bake at 425 degrees for 10 minutes on the center rack, followed by 10 minutes on the lower rack.

Wherever this pizza leads, we will follow, and even though this it represents a small state, it is not for the faint of stomach. The hearty slices would definitely be appreciated by some champion eaters at Luke's Diner (or maybe even Al's Pancake World) who are looking for something a little different from their everyday burger and fries. So plate yourself up a few slices, get ready for your drive back to Yale, and continue to ignore the fact that everything we know about Connecticut comes from The Gilmore Girls.

Peace, Love, and Town Troubadours

Pam and KT