I swear, exercise wins EVERY.SINGLE.TIME!
My blah day turned happy after a wonderful afternoon yoga class. It was one of those classes where I left feeing detoxified – not because I sweated (I didn’t – boo cold gym yoga) but because of all the twisting we did. Rain forced me to drive to the gym instead of bike, but I’m so glad I went.
I am also very glad that I have such an amazing husband (who is massaging my aching shoulders RIGHT NOW!) and who makes amazing homemade pizza:
And also amazing beer. Tonight he declared he had a new one to try: North Coast Brewing’s Pranqster, which is a classic Belgian Golden Strong Ale. I got my usual “hers” pour taste –
It was on the banana side of the yeast spectrum, which is not my very favorite, but I still enjoyed it a lot.
Back to that pizza!
Matt made a 50% whole wheat crust seasoned with flecks of fresh rosemary. It was incredible!!! We made the pizza tomato-free and went with grilled eggplant, mushrooms, dandelion greens (just put on fresh!) and Wisconsin jack cheese! He just informed me from his perch at my shoulders that he also smothered the crust in olive oil, oregano and smoked paprika!
The crustttttttttttt!!!!!!!! Oh the crust!!!!! It was like an herby shortbread cracker.
We had sautéed dandelion greens in Garlic Gold on the side. Boy-oh-boy are they CHEWY and BITTER! But I like ‘em. [Matt wants me to also share that once he picked some from the side of the road when I was out of town and had them for dinner! Ewww! Dirty!]
Delicious dinner!! [Which was not consumed out on the porch because it is bitter cold again – I just needed to borrow the natural light!]
I’d say I’m enjoying a cup of Pero for dessert, but I’m not really enjoying it. I haven’t liked it as much lately (I have maybe a cup a week). I think I’m making it too weak!
Plus, dessert should involve chocolate.
Hollie says
Dessert SHOULD involve chocolate!! 🙂
and wow, that pizza looks Wonderful!
Toni says
I love dandelion greens! In Italian we call them Chiccoria.
I have many many many memories of picking them with my grandma! They make a delicious addition to pasta, calzones and minestrone! Yum!
Holly @ The Runny Egg says
That pizza looks delicious!
I don’t know what to say about Matt eating greens from the side of the road — but it made me laugh!
Toni says
lol this is really common!!!
In Montreal, if you drive into the suburbs in the months of June – August you’ll find elderly italian women bent over picking Dandelion from the side of road!!! They fill up bags and bags of this and freeze it for the winter!!
J3nn (Jenn's Menu and Lifestyle Blog) says
Yep, my Italian grandma did this all summer long! Pulled them right out of the ground and ate them minutes later in olive oil and vinegar. 🙂
B & B says
I’ve heard of this for berries, but not greens! Interesting 🙂
Holy pizza! Does Matt deliver?…I think you should add that to your bakery.
Abby says
Nice work Matt! A massage and dinner-what a keeper! 🙂
Sarah says
So where can I go to find this yummy crust recipe? I’d be very interested in trying it out myself, please:)
Kristen @ Change of Pace says
Matt, you know you want to share that crust recipe….. It’s so hard to find a good one. Kath, I’m wondering how you got Matt to eat a veggie pizza. Has he always been that way? My husband can’t eat anything meat free and would have covered that pizza in chicken or pepperoni.
L.G. says
I second or third the request for the crust recipe! 🙂
andrea @ chocolateandoranges says
Another vote here- would love to try homemade pizza crust!
andrea @ chocolateandoranges says
nevermind, just saw it further down. oops!
Stacey says
Yay for exercise 🙂 I love that feeling of rejuvenation and detoxification that comes along with yoga! Homemade pizza sounds awesome, the crust is definitely my favorite part 🙂 enjoy your chocolate!
janetha @ meals and moves says
I will just have a plate of the crusts. Thanks.
Kristi @ KristiAteIt says
Yum! There is nothing better than homemade pizza! We usually like to make it on Fridays!
Exercise always makes me feel better after I am done. It’s getting myself to do it where I have the problem.
Faith @ lovelyascharged says
Ditto on the pizza! What is it about the weekends – and Friday, more specifically – that just begs for a good pizza?
Angela @ Eat Spin Run Repeat says
Can you somehow make a Matt clone and send him up here to me?? I could use a good pizza and shoulder massage! That dinner looks fantastic. I agree with you on the dandelion greens. I bought them once as something new to try but can’t say I really loved ’em. Give me kale or spinach any day though!
Matt says
Here’s what I made (about 8 hours before bake time):
130g WW flour
130g AP flour
169g water
26g oil (I swear that wasn’t intentional)
6g kosher salt
1g instant yeast
1.5T chopped rosemary
I just kneaded it together by hand, let it sit, covered, in a warm place (our cable cabinet), and then shaped it 8 hours later! Top with delicious veggies, dash of olive oil, piquant cheese, bake at 500* on a pizza stone for 12 minutes. Done!
B & B says
What would happen if one didn’t use yeast? I know it causes the bread to rise. But does it really ruin the crust? Couldn’t you have more of a…flatbread or something like effect? Still good? 😉 (Clearly, I’m not a real baker).
Matt says
Two things:
1) It wouldn’t have as much deliciously yeasty, bready flavor… seriously, you underestimate how much of the flavor of bread is actually yeast.
2) It would rise, but maybe about half as much. The only rise you would get is from the expansion of steam.
To me, the flavor is more of a problem than the rise. It would still taste pretty good, though. I’d still give it at least 2 hours for the flour to hydrate before shaping into a pizza.
B & B says
Thank you! I’ll have to test it both ways and see what happens 🙂
Katherine says
thanks for sharing! i’m so trying this.
Sheila says
Yum. And husband shoulder massages are the best.
We’ve been making pizza using Nick’s (Macheesmo) cast iron method: http://www.macheesmo.com/2011/03/cast-iron-pizza/ It has been AH-mazing. Very doughy and chewy.
Lauren says
That pizza is rocking my world right now.
Heather @ Health, Happiness, and Hope says
So glad you enjoyed yoga today! That pizza really does look incredible!
Valerie @ City|Life|Eats says
That pizza looks amazing 🙂 Yum!
Lea @ Healthy Coconut says
My local chinese restaurant makes this dandelion dish that is prepared in front of you. Delicious!
J3nn (Jenn's Menu and Lifestyle Blog) says
That pizza looks yummy!
My grandmother used to pick dandelions right out of her front yard! I knew several women in her circle that did this. And I would do it, too. It’s as organic as they come. 😉 Nothing wrong with it at all! Probably cleaner than being handled by who knows how many people and trucked to a store weeks ago. 🙂
Toni says
Agreed!!!
Val @ Balancing Val says
May sound weird, but try putting some segmented orange in with your dandelion greens.
It cuts right through the bitter and tastes refreshing!
Dandelion greens are amazing for you 😀
Allie (Live Laugh Eat) says
Gosh you and Matt sure can make pizza look uber gourmet! I don’t say this often, but I want to reach into the screen right now! Funny story about Matt picking greens off the side of the road 🙂
chelsey @ clean eating chelsey says
Exercise always makes me feel better!!! I’ve never had dandelion greens before – what do they taste like?
Jessica @ How Sweet It Is says
that looks SO GOOD.
Stephanie @ LiveCookLove says
What a lucky girl you are 🙂 The pizza looked incredible!!
Katie @ Nourishing Flourishing says
Aw, good job Matt! What a guy 😉
Liz @ Tip Top Shape says
You definitely found yourself one of the good ones! lol And that pizza looks amazing!!!
Christine says
In agreement with both major concepts- exercise is usually the answer, and dessert should definitely include chocolate!
Melissa says
That pizza looks like it hit the spot! Does Matt have a single brother? 😉
kaila @ healthy helper! says
Homemade pizza is one of my favorite meals! I love how I can make it my own way and make it healthy so I can have more slices! YUM! The cold is back in my area too 🙁 when will spring come to stay?!?!
staceyhealthylife says
Matt always makes the best pizza’s. I wish I had a baker around.
Angel7 says
What a nice guy to make you such a scrumptious dinner. That pizza looks muy delicioso!
My husband and I love pizza! I always say that we are pizza connoisseurs, if there is such a thing 🙂
http://faithfulsolutions.blogspot.com/
krissy says
I ran out of garlic gold today and opensky has been down all day. This is tragic. Pizza looks great!
Laughter-Loving Stacy says
Ha! I’m making home made pizza tonight! I kinda wish I had eggplant, though! This sounds pretty good!
Bridget says
Wow. I would say the pizza I posted about today was like Matt’s (here: http://0333cd9.netsolhost.com/WordPress/?p=632), 50% wheat, tomato free, fresh greens, but YUM! Matt wins! Fresh rosemary in the crust. I need to go raid my neighbor’s plant until mine gets bigger!
Tracy @ Commit To Fit says
I have never had Pero. I just checked out the website. It looks like a good coffee alternative, perhaps I will give it a go 🙂
Ashley @ Feeding Ashley says
that pizza looks wonderful! Matt did an incredible job, that’s gross about the roadside plant though.
Karis (Karis' Kitchen) says
That pizza looks amazing! Love the shout-out to Wisconsin cheese 🙂
Justeen @ Blissful Baking says
I actually like the bitter taste of dandelion greens! That pizza looks AMAZING! I already had a huge dinner + dessert, but I could definitely make room for a slice 🙂
Kate (What Kate is Cooking) says
A man that gives massages and makes pizza- I want one! Where did you find him!?
[email protected] says
Dang, Matt is such a great cook! I’m very impressed 😀
[email protected] Kel Show says
Want to try something amazing?
Crack open a few eggs onto that pizza before you cook it. You cannot imagine how wonderful an addition that makes!
Enjoy the massage!
Lesley Lifting Life says
I have a husband who makes amazing pizza as well … I love it! 🙂
Meg says
Not sure why, but I found myself giggling about your enthusiasm for the crust 😀
Exercise is such a great cure for anything, love it!
Enjoy your chocolate and evening!
Brandi says
The secret to tender dandelion greens are to pick them when they are young. The older old will be tough and chewy..yuck!
JenATX says
haha oh matt & his willingness to try anything… didn’t he drink the juice leftover after yall drained the yogurt through a cheesecloth once? ha!
KathEats says
Yes – he is disgusting. He drinks tuna juice and jalapeno liquid
Miranda says
This is so nasty. But it also made me laugh outloud.
Katherine says
I am dying of jealousy over that pizza. It looks so delicious!
Hannah says
Ah, pizza and husband! If only we could all be so lucky 😉 I’m hoping to start yoga soon. Had actually booked a five-hour retreat but now I think I have to go on a work trip. Boo!
Dimple Snatcher says
HA at Matt perched on your shoulder giving his two cents!
And Ohhhhh, that crust.
Hilary says
Pizza and a massage? So jealous here! I want to try eggplant on pizza…looks GOOD!
Heidi - apples under my bed says
oh my goodness that pizza looks amazing!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Heidi xo
Kat @ Cupcake Kat says
I love exercise! It always puts me in a good mood too. If I don’t do some physical activity I can’t function.
lynn @ the actor's diet says
okay it’s decided. i’m having pizza for dinner! but there’s only the frozen kind. 🙁
Cindy says
That pizza looks so good!
kathy says
Wish you had a restaurant near my home (or even a Great Harvest!) 🙂
Allison @ Happy Tales says
hot damnnnn. that pizza looks delish! and yes, exercise always gets the endorphins flowing and makes me feel soooo much better!
Namaste Gurl says
I’m SOOOO jealous. Wish I had a husband, or let alone boyfriend (kinda got get that first!) who made me delicious, healthy pizza upon coming home from exercising.
Did I say I’m completely jealous? 🙂
Angela (Oh She Glows) says
LOL @ MATT!! So random. Eric always makes fun of me when I ‘buy’ dandelion. He says I should just weed the yard. Guys are just so practical like that I guess.
I love dandelion greens in smoothies but I don’t think I have had them cooked yet! Eek. I’m scared. I have some in the fridge this week, maybe I should take the plunge…
PS- does matt drink pickle juice too??
KathEats says
He does!! He loves brine. So gross!
Kathleen @ KatsHealthCorner says
DESSERT SHOULD INCLUDE CHOCOLATE! 😀
Miranda @ Working Mom Works Out says
Well done, Matt. The pizza looks wonderful.
Averie (LoveVeggiesAndYoga) says
Dandelion greens are such a wonderful, natural detoxifier. Your liver and kidneys thank you.
Because yes, dessert should most defi include chocolate 🙂 And coffee. And wine. Or a combo thereof.
Laura @ Sprint 2 the Table says
Rosemary in the pizza dough sounds fantastic. Love dandelion greens. Have you tried mustard greens? They have a nice bite to them as well.
Alyssa says
I made pizza for dinner tonight too! Although mine was not as impressive looking as yours. Can you pick any dandelion greens? Or are there special rules to follow? I’ve always wanted to try doing that…
Shannon @ My Place In The Race says
Wow, the pizza looks delicious!! 😛
Mama Pea says
Okay, I couldn’t Pea Daddy to eat dandelion greens, much less off the side of the road! Go Matt!
Emily @ Savory and Savage says
Great looking pizza and the greens look gorgeous.
I have been craving a a huge pot of slow cooked greens lately…
khushboo says
I jst finished breakfast yet I kinda really want some pizza…this is not good 🙂
Ashley says
I love Pranqster! Have you tried North Coast’s Brother Thelonious? It’s their Belgian Abbey Ale and it is one of my all time favorite beers! They sell it at my work for $20 for a six pack XD
KathEats says
I can’t remember, but it seems likely!
Toast says
The pizza looks wonderful. Any chance of a recipe?
Love.
Rachel says
We’ve picked dandelion greens in Central Park…free, easy, and real food!
Katelyn @ Chef Katelyn says
Oh lawd – a pizza that massages AND makes pizza?! Can you clone that personality? You would make a lot of money!
Simply Life says
oh that pizza does look incredible!
Amanda says
I never would have thought to put eggplant on pizza..but this looks amazing! I will have to try it for sure! 🙂
Chelsea @ One Healthy Munchkin says
Dandelion greens are one of the few greens I haven’t tried yet… I’m kind of scared to!
Amy says
CLEARLY your Great Harvest needs to sell pre-made pizza dough!
KathEats says
We will!!
Anastasia says
The pizza looks incredible! I love eggplant as a topping.. it’s so good!
I don’t think I’ve ever heard of eating dandelions before! They look really delicious though.
Mushrooms Canada says
Mmmm look at all that melty cheese… and mushrooms… and the crust… looks delicious!
– Brittany
[email protected] Sweet Life says
Absolutely stunning!
Anne says
Kath, that pizza looks AMAZING! Maybe you and Matt should open up a pizza store too, hehe 🙂
Beth @ DiningAndDishing says
Amen Kath! Dessert without chocolate is just never as satisfying :).
Katie says
Oooh will he share the crust recipe???
Amanda- The Nutritionist Reviews says
That looks like the most delicious pizza ever!
Hope says
That pizza looks great! No matter what I do, I can never get my pizza to look like this! Delicious!
Stacie @ Imperfectly Healthy says
I love the story about Matt getting his greens off the side of the road! Haha!
Richelle says
That pizza looks great! I’m craving homemade pizza now!
Lisa says
YES! Exercise works every single time. If I’m feeling down or angry and I work out, I immediately feel awesome afterwards.
sentimentsbydenise says
Next thing you know… he’ll be making dandelion wine!
anne says
Yes, dessert should involve chocolate!
Lauren says
You could just mix 1-2 tsp’s of cocoa powder with hot water and a few splashes of milk and then you would get the best of both worlds! 🙂
life.art.midnightsnacks. says
that Pero looks amazing i’ve never tried it- pizza and Pero for dinner tonight!!
Jackie says
You inspired me to try making homemade pizza from scratch for the first time today. It’s in the oven now – 50% whole wheat crust, olive oil/garlic/oregano, eggplant, mushrooms, spinach, cheese and fresh basil & parsley. Can’t wait!!
Jo @ Jo In the Kitchen says
Hahaha! I had no idea people could eat dandelion greens! I was told as a kid that the milk was poisonous.