Pizza

Someone once asked me what food I miss the most.  Honestly, if that question would have been asked when I first changed the way I eat, I would have given them a LONG list of food items.  Nowadays, that list has dwindled significantly and can be counted on one hand.  On the top of that list is and has always been pizza.  Now, don't get me wrong, I do not and never have missed any pizza you can get at a restaurant or (gasp!) the store-bought variety.  I miss my homemade crusts and all the incredible toppings and concoctions.  I used to make pizzas on just about every weekend. 

What I don't miss, however, are the after-effects I get from eating the refined-carb crust. The sluggish/bloated feeling, the lackluster performance in the gym the next day.  

When I first made this pizza, I didn't have high hopes.  Nothing replaces a homemade pizza crust, but this meal was more satisfying than I had anticipated and the possibilities for toppings are endless. This recipe is very basic, but you can add any topping you wish.  I have made this with a homemade basil/walnut pesto that was amazing!  Go crazy!

Crust:

2 c almond meal

2 eggs

3 tblsp coconut oil (or olive oil)

1 tsp garlic powder

1.5 tblsp finely chopped fresh rosemary

Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees

In a mixing bowl, mix all ingredients until the dough comes apart from the sides of the bowl.  Form the dough into a ball with your hands.

 Lightly grease a baking sheet with some oil and, using your hands, spread the dough until the baking sheet is covered.  Bake crust for 15-20 minutes.  While crust is baking, prepare toppings.

Toppings:

1-2 cups marinara sauce (I like to make my own, since it's difficult to find a store-bought variety that does not contain sugar or other unnecessary ingredients)

1 lb turkey sausage

1-2 green peppers, sliced

1/2 c red onion, chopped

2 fresh tomatoes, chopped

On a heated skillet, brown the turkey sausage until completely done. Set aside.

Saute your green peppers and red onion for about 5 minutes, making sure they aren't too soft. Set aside.

After crust is done, spread marinara sauce over entire area.

 Top with the turkey sausage...

...green pepper/onion mixture...

...and tomatoes.  Bake for another 10-15 minutes...

Bon appetit!