
How to fry homegrown cayenne peppers
There is something about the thinness of a cayenne’s skin that makes it perfect and easy for drying and frying.

Pizza Stuffed Pretzels
Pizza Dough:
- 1 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 package quick-rising yeast (2 1/4 teaspoons)
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon sugar
- 1/2-2/3 cup hot water (120-130°F)
- 2 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil
- Combine flour, yeast, salt and sugar in the bowl of a stand mixer to mix fitted with a dough hook.
- Combine hot water and oil in a measuring cup. With the stand mixer is running, gradually pour in enough of the hot liquid until the mixture forms a sticky ball. The dough should be quite soft. If it seems dry, add 1 to 2 tablespoons warm water; if too sticky, add 1 to 2 tablespoons flour. Continue mixing until the dough forms a ball, then process for 1 minute to knead.
- Transfer the dough to a lightly oiled bowl. Coat a sheet of plastic wrap with cooking spray and place it, sprayed-side down, over the dough. Let the dough rest for 10 to 20 minutes.
Filling:
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup shredded parmesan cheese
- 1 cup pepperoni slices
- 1/4 cup chopped mushrooms
- 1 egg slightly beaten
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 cup marinara or pasta sauce (homemade or store bought)
- Preheat oven to 400ºF.
- Cut the prepared pizza dough into 4 equal pieces and roll each out into a rectangle. Scatter the cheese, pepperoni and mushrooms over the dough. Brush the one of the long sides with a little egg wash then, starting with the opposite side, roll the dough up into a log, enclosing the toppings inside. Shape the log into a pretzel and transfer to a baking sheet.
- Brush the top of the pizza pretzel with olive oil and sprinkle with parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning. Bake until golden brown, about 15-20 minutes.
- While the pizza pretzel is baking, place a medium pot over medium-high heat to heat up marinara or pasta sauce, until warm. Serve the pizza pretzel with the marinara/pasta sauce dipper alongside.
(Source: , via buddhabrot)

Baked Parmesan Tomatoes
TIP: I used a cupcake tin to hold the tomatoes together while baking!
Ingredients
- 4 tomatoes, halved horizontally
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon chopped fresh oregano
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Freshly ground pepper, to taste
- 4 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil
Preparation
- Preheat oven to 450° F.
- Place tomatoes cut-side up on a baking sheet. Top with Parmesan, oregano, salt and pepper. Drizzle with oil and bake until the tomatoes are tender, about 15 minutes.
~ 62 calories per half tomato.
(via fittingintohappiness)










