Jan 4th 10

The Pizza and Fried Rice Conversation

So I’ve been very obviously “off the grid” for a while the past couple of weeks.  My mom passed away this past Wednesday, Dec. 30th after a battle with cancer.  She was only 47.  While I can’t even begin to describe what this experience has been like (nor is it an appropriate forum to do so here), it has made me realize clearly one thing; I want to do everything in my power to be as healthy as I can.  For me, that begins with the food I put into my body.

Last week, my mom had surgery at Dartmouth Hitchcock in Hanover, NH.  While we were there, she was very nervous.  To get her mind off the impending procedure, I began a conversation about food.  She hadn’t done a whole lot for eating these last few weeks, so I asked her this : If she could eat anything at that moment, what would it be?  She said she would choose two things; fried rice and pizza.  She went on to talk about how when she was pregnant with me, she craved (and ate) pizza constantly.  Pepperoni, from a specific pizzaria in town.  It was a nice conversation, and now, a nice memory. 

While her preference was pepperoni pizza, I’m going to post a pizza that I eat when I’m having a cheat meal, topped with lots of veggies and chicken. 

First up, I buy my dough for a buck at the local pizza place in town.  I roll it out as thin as I can get it (thin crust is a better option; if you’re going to have pizza, do it thin crust).  I brushed it with olive oil and chopped garlic, and pre-baked the crust at 350 till it was just a little bit done.  It’s a heavy pizza, so you don’t want the crust flimsy- about 7-ish minutes.  Next up, I sprinkled on some shredded mozzarella cheese (no, I don’t put sauce on; I leave it white…if the crust looks a bit dry when it comes out of pre-baking, simply brush with more olive oil and garlic), and topped it with some red, green and yellow peppers, spinach, mushrooms, marinated and cooked chicken breast chunks.  I Baked till all the cheese was bubbly, with some nice color, and VOILA!  Fantastic Yummy Pizza!!!  My kids love it, and it’s a far better alternative than your standard pizza.

Check it out:

 Looks delicious, right?

To everyone who has sent kind notes, thoughtful well-wishes through my mom’s battle, those of you who have supported me through this incredibly emotional time, your kindness has not gone unnoticed.  I thank you all from the bottom of my heart.

To Mom, I will never forget our time together, and I will never, ever forget the conversation about fried rice and pizza.  May you rest in Peace.

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