Simple Bites: Semi-homemade Pizza

I admire those bloggers who not only can put together a killer outfit and keep their homes camera ready at all times, but can also whip up gourmet meals regularly. Better yet do all that while wearing that killer outfit. Let's face reality here, though. I'm not one of them. I don't fit this category of women for many reasons. Cooking is one of them. I wish my oven was working overtime and lovely meals kept popping out of there like it's no big deal. I wish we hosted big gatherings with tables straining under the weight of numerous impressive dishes. Everybody would compliment my creations inquiring about the rare ingredients and technique I used to make them. And I'd just smile and follow with "Oh, it was so simple!", leaving out the part about slicing and dicing for hours. The truth is I've never enjoyed cooking. It's always been a chore - not much more exciting than scrubbing my bathtub. OK, I might have exaggerated here a little but one thing's for certain; whenever I cook I want in to be quick, uncomplicated and require a minimum amount of ingredients (I'm sure I'm not the only one). Such is this semi-homemade pizza recipe. I came across it about a year ago and it's become one of our weekend favorites, since it can be prepared in no time and tastes delicious.

Here's what you'll need:

• A good quality pre-baked pizza crust (we prefer Stonefire brand from Jewel)
• Extra virgin olive oil
• Baby spinach
• Mushrooms
• Cherry tomatoes
• Shredded mozzarella cheese
• Herbes de Provence spice mix 

1. Lay the crust on a baking sheet, brush it with a couple of table spoons of olive oil, sprinkle with a dash of Herbes de Provence.

2. Wash the spinach and layer it over the crust (use any amount you desire). Sprinkle a thin layer of cheese (make sure to leave some for later).

3. Slice up the mushrooms and add them to the pizza.

4. Cut tomatoes in half and arrange them on the crust. Sprinkle another dash of the Herbes de Provence and top it with a generous layer of cheese.

5. Follow the instruction on the package of your pizza crust to cook it, as times and temperatures will vary.

Feel free to use different toppings to suit your preference. I would recommend starting with a good quality crust and spices. I prefer Herbes de Provence because it includes Lavender, which adds a delightful flavor.

Voila!

  Add some French wine and you have perfect quick and easy dinner for two.