So That Was Christmas – Baguette Pizzas
Written by Rachel, Posted in Appetizers, Cheese, Dinner, Herbs, Kid-Friendly, Lunch, Main Dishes, Meat, Pizza, Quick and Easy, Snacks, Thoughts, Vegetables
Looking through our photos, I’ve concluded that our holiday consisted mostly of family, friends, and food. There were some gifts thrown in there, a movie or two (ok, more than two), and a few games here and there. But mostly, we were with family and friends for two weeks. Can’t get much better than that.
We put about 1,200 miles on our car. We spent Christmas morning here together, just Tim, the dog, and I. It was nice. Then we packed up and headed out.
Our first stop was the farm Tim grew up on, and his family. Lots of good family time sharing about our adventures this year, eating, gifting… being together.
Partway through the visit my youngest brother, Josh, and his girlfriend, Karensa, arrived. We took them to see the Giant Sequoias and had some great family dinners before heading home for a few days.
(Photo credit Shannon Oberg – I think??! Or did Josh take this one?)
I think I’ve lost count of how many french fries I ate. I’m ok with this. We needed to introduce Karensa to In-n-Out, a road trip staple. Done.
There was also a need for Quenelle.
More than once.
Tim’s birthday is on the 24th, so before we started our Christmas Eve celebrations we had lunch at Quenelle. We had ice cream. For lunch. It was delicious.
The next week we had to go back with Josh and Karensa.
Having guests in town is a fun excuse to visit some of our favorite places. Umami Burger is a fun treat. I can’t order anything but the Truffle Burger and Truffle Fries. I’m sure there are other things that are good, buuuut I don’t want to branch out. I like my favorites.
Guests are also an excuse to play tourist in our town (this is Tim giving a tour of the WB lot – I think he’s showing J&K the spot where Spiderman hangs upside down and kisses Mary Jane… he might also just be pointing at a wall).
We had our third Christmas morning with J&K while Skyping with my parents so they could watch us open our gifts. It’s not the same when we’re not with the whole family, but we will take what we can get. One of my favorite gifts of all was this magnet of our super cute niece. It makes me want to cry every time I see it because I miss her so much, but I love having her little face on my fridge.
My other favorite gift: a new knife. I’ve been wanting this knife for a year. I yelled when I opened it, I was so excited. It cuts through potatoes like they are room temperature butter.
I love it. I love it. I love it.
After a few days at home we went to the coast to visit with our aunt and uncle. To say that the sun setting over the ocean is majestic is an understatement. I don’t think I could ever get tired of this view.
While at the coast we stopped by the Honeymoon Cafe. We’ve been going there since our honeymoon (I know, how cute), and go back anytime we’re in the area. If the food wasn’t so scrumptious it would be easier to skip it. But, there’s the sentimental and delicious factors that keep bringing us back.
For our last dinner together, which happened to be at the coast, Josh, Karensa, and I made Baguette Pizzas. I totally love pizza with real crust, but these were super yummy. See all that cheese that dripped on to the pan and browned?! That’s the best part!
Happy New Year, friends! Here’s to a great one, filled with family, friends, and lots of good food!
Happy Eating!
- 1-2 T olive oil
- 1 bell pepper, sliced
- 1 onion, sliced
- salt, to taste
- 6 baguettes, sliced in half lengthwise and widthwise (in the middle)
- 1 head garlic, diced
- 2 C tomato sauce
- 1 zucchini, thinly sliced
- 1/2 head broccoli, chopped in small pieces
- pepperoni (optional)
- additional veggies like: mushrooms, olives, and tomatoes; sliced
- 1 brick mozzarella cheese, grated
- basil, chopped
- Pre-heat oven to 375F.
- Heat a medium-sized skillet over medium or medium-low heat. Add olive oil. When oil is hot add bell pepper, onion, and salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, until veggies are tender, about 5-8 minutes.
- Place baguettes cut-side up on a baking sheet. Bake for 5-7 minutes, or until slightly toasty.
- Add garlic to skillet and cook 1-2 minutes. Remove from heat.
- Let everyone top their own pizza, starting with tomato sauce, sautéed veggies, pepperoni (optional), raw veggies, cheese, and basil.
- Place back onto a baking sheet and bake until cheese is melted, about 5-10 minutes.
Baguette pizzas looks so yummy! The crunchiness must be amazing!
Yes, it is!! I’ve made them before without toasting first. They’re still good, but waaay better this way!