Another year and another relocation, it seams like we are in a habit of moving every couple of months. After all we were suppose to stay for some time in Germantown nearby Memphis, Tennessee. But it’s not gonna happen. Though I have to admit it was never my dream location, we are a bad match, let’s leave it at that. But I had been looking forward to settle for once, we are moving too often. It was my home for one year and I know I’ll miss many things I wouldn’t have expected twelve month ago. Most of all the kind people, if you ever had been a stranger in a town you appreciate new friends welcoming you with open arms.

As I started writing this post I had no plan about my topic (as usually, why bother?). I thought you should know I confront this move with mixed feelings though mainly looking forward to it. But there is also the turn of the year that let me reflect the last twelve months, what happened around my world and me.  I made a random list because I love lists!

2012 was the year I rediscovered the love for old time favorite bands like Queen, The Clash, Fury in the Slaughterhouse and many more. Not all of them are actually very good, some of them are even embarrassing and I rather don’t mention their names. But listening to these old songs makes me feel good, even if some are not good. What are you secretly listening to?

2012 was the year of missed celebrations, being so far away from my family sucks on it’s own and so much the more as I wasn’t able to participate my cousin’s dream wedding, two big birthdays and my sisters graduation. But I am thankful that I had been able to celebrate my birthday with my family for the first time since four years.

2012 was the year one of my friends decided to leave Germany to become a diving instructor and move to a tropical island with a name I am neither able to pronounce nor spell correctly. So proud of her!

2012 was the year I behaved very well in public traffic. I saved money I usually splurge on parking tickets etc. (and spend it on music). Being a law-abiding citizen pays off, literally.

2012 was the year I skipped quinoa completely. Nowadays everyone seams to eat it on a daily basis, I am not trying to be cool and swim against the tide. I rather over ate it the year before.

2012 was the year I rediscovered my love for tea. I mean not the lazy tea bag thing, I brewed good quality tea leaves daily and enjoyed a relaxing tea pod whenever I could. I mean to acquire this habit for 2013 and learn even more about tea.

2012 was the year I constantly worked out. It is hard to override my inner laziness more often than I would admit, but I feel healthy and fit and that was totally worth it.

Do I have to say anything about pizzette? I stumble over these small pizza everywhere, they just big enough to feed one person. I started making them some weeks ago, due to my move, I had to use up as many pantry stuff as possible and pizza is a great canvas for so many canned or frozen food. And on the other hand, it saved me some time, leftovers are easy to reheat in the oven and still good the next day. I have to admit sometimes store brought pizza dough is not cheating rather improvising.  It is fun to make them, kids can help and create their own. It is great for parties and even grown ups seams eager to roll up their sleeves and start cooking.

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pizzettes

ingredients

 

for the dough

• ¾ tsp. active dry yeast
• ½ tsp. granulated sugar
• 175 ml / ¾ cup water, lukewarm
• 125 g / 1 cup bread flour, plus more for covering
• 125 g / 1 cup whole wheat flour
• ¾ tsp. salt
• one good slug of olive oil

for the parsley pesto

• one big handful fresh parsley (about one bunch)
• 2 Tbsp. pine nuts
• 2 Tbsp. grated fresh Parmesan cheese
• ½ tsp. salt
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 3 Tbsp. extra virgin olive oil

for the topping

• 1 acorn squash
• olive oil
• salt

in addition

• freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• dried oregano

instructions

 

for the dough

1. Dissolve sugar and yeast in water, wait 15 minutes until bubbles show off (if there are non your yeast might be too old).
2. Meanwhile measure the remaining ingredients in a large bowl. Add yeast water and knead by hand or with your stand mixer for at least 3 to 4 minutes (more would be better). Add more water or flour if necessary. Form a ball and dust with some flour, place dough in a bowl and cover with a kitchen towel or plastic wrap. Keep at a warm (not hot) place for 1 ½ hour.
3. Divide the dough ball into six parts and form smaller balls. Roll out dough balls, let rest for 15 minutes.

for the parsley pesto

1. In a food processor, puree parsley, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, salt, garlic and oil until a paste forms. Scrap down the sides of your bowl if necessary.

for the topping

1. Preheat your oven to 200 C/ 400 F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Cut the acorn squash in half. Scoop out the seeds with a spoon, peel and cut into about 1 1/3 cm / ½ inch stripes. Brush with olive oil and sprinkle with salt. Place on baking sheet and bake for 30 minutes.

assembling

1. Preheat your oven to 230 C / 450 F.
2. Place rolled dough on a baking sheet, spread with parsley pesto, top with acorn squash and sprinkle with more Parmesan cheese.
3. Bake 12-15 minutes and sprinkle with oregano.

some notes

If bread flour and whole wheat flour are a deal breakers for you, you can use 250 g / 2 cups all-purpose flour instead with a more than decent result.

variations

alternative topping : tomatoes (seeds removed) and crumbled Feta cheese

Number of servings (yield): 6