Christmas around the oven
Enjoying the pizza oven outdoors.
In California we can pretty much entertain outdoors almost all year round and I find that owning a wood fired oven and cooking restaurant-quality food right at home, saves me money I would otherwise spend dining out with my family.
One reason is that making your own pizza dough is quick and you can definitely feed a lot of friends and family without breaking the bank. My husband and I always go back to this classic pizza napoletana dough recipe, even though we have researched and tried so many other doughs.
Another thing that I find myself doing a lot during the holidays is oven-baked bread, cookies, and other goodies to gift my neighbors and friends. This cantucci recipe is still a favorite for great tasting biscotti and because they keep longer than other home-made cookies. Dip them in chocolate for a truly festive look and taste:
Cantucci biscotti are so good when baked in a wood fired oven...
Chocolate Glaze
4 ounces of semisweet chocolate chips
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 tablespoons light corn syrup
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
In a double-boiler melt the chocolate chips and butter together, stirring often, until smooth. Stir in the corn syrup and vanilla. Dip half of each cookie into the melted chocolate and let dry for 30 minutes.
Happy Holidays! And may the new year be your best ever!
Pizza oven is fired up for the holidays!
