Wednesday, August 01, 2007

Pizza Pie Heaven!

Check out this deliciousness...



oh YUM! The crust is a spelt/cornmeal crust by Vicolo. This company has premade pizzas, though they all have cheese. But... they also have this spelt/cornmeal crust (package of 2), that is marvelous! I bought it at our local Choices Market (in freezer section).

I tried this crust once months back, and I loved it. It's not like other pizza crusts. Rather than being doughy, it has a nutty/sweet rich flavor, with a nubbly texture. Because of this rich flavor, you likely won't eat as much as you would with a pizza dough crust. And, because it has such a beautiful flavor on its own, it needs just simple toppings, imo.

Here, I slathered on a layer of pesto. It's a new pesto from E,D&BV... Lemony Cashew-Basil Pesto. Goodness, how I love this pesto too! I can eat it with a cracker or chip, seriously. Very lemony, which cuts the oily nuts, and just bursting with basil magnificence! I simply topped with pesto with thick slices of fresh tomatoes, and then just a few sliced olives and some freshly ground black pepper over top.



I prebaked the crust just a tad, and then didn't bake the finished pizza too long, just enough to warm the tomatoes through. It was good. Good, good, good!

I won't be blogging for a few days. So I leave you with this picture of pizza heaven, and also...

A
GIVEAWAY!

Last time I was a sneaky mama with my giveaway, but this time it's straight up! So, check out the rules (August Giveaway). The prize is a copy of Vive, or if you already have Vive, a copy of the Everyday Dish dvd. Or if you have the dvd, a copy of TEV. And if you already have all three, then you like me too much and you'll have to spread the love and give the book or dvd to someone else. :)

Go make some pizza!

93 comments:

Heather said...

I want that pizza and the DVD!!! lol My sis is taking the girls for the night and was thinking about pizza and salad for dinner tonight with hubby. Yum, now I am getting hungry

Thank You!!!

Anonymous said...

The pizza looks fabulous. I would love to be entered in the draw. I have both of you books but not the dvd.
Enjoy your time off and try not to work too hard.

Angie

J. Ross said...

Mmmmmm...that pizza looks yummy! I have been looking for a vegan pizza that my husband would love, too, and this looks like it!

The Little Mama said...

Mmmmm......pesto-tomato pizza! I would love to be entered into the draw! I have the books, but have been dreaming about the dvd for a while..

Anonymous said...

Everything about that pizza looks so yummy.

Teresa said...

Dreena, that picture is BEAUTIFUL! Do you know how many times I've put that crust into my shopping cart and then put it back once I was ready to check out? I just keep thinking that I'll be disappointed. But now that I know it has the Dreena Burton seal of approval, this crust will not be sneaking out of my grocery cart any more! I like the idea of precooking the crust and then only cooking it with toppings for a short amount of time.

By the way... is it really possible to like you too much? And yes I'll definitely spread the Dreena love!

Teresa said...

One more thing... I know you also like the Rustic crust (and me too). Which of the 2 prepared crusts do you prefer/like better?

Nikk said...

Pizza! It looks delicious!

I want to win the book! :)

Anonymous said...

That pizza looks great! I've been craving pizza so much lately.

myrtle said...

That looks wonderful... and our tomatoes are all ripening. Looks like I know what we're having for dinner!

darkfaeriecreations@gmail.com said...

num, num, num......I'm in the middle of my first vegan pregnancy and I crave pizza a ton. I have a ton of roma tomatoes in my garden so this looks like a great idea!

Can I enter for the DVD as well?........would love to get my little vegan paws on that! You rock Dreena!

Julie said...

MMMMMM pizza...AND pesto. My two favs. I'll have to check if that crust is at my WFS. Looks yummy!

I must like you too much, cause I have all three :]

Anonymous said...

That pizza looks delicious (although I can't indulge because sadly I have discovered I am now allergic to tomatoes). I'm excited to try the pesto recipe once your new book is out.

Jessica

MCH said...

That pizza looks amazing! I would love to win the DVD- I already have the cookbooks. It's been torture waiting for the new one- seeing all the yummy recipes on your blog!

Jennifer C. said...

mmmmmmmmmmmmmm...pizza! I love pesto with tomatoes. Pure deliciousness!

mrs. everything said...

I want to make this! Lemon cashew pesto sounds like a dream.
I had pizza last night and I am in the mood!

Anonymous said...

Oh wow! That cheese-less pizza looks way better than a cheese-full pizza! pesto rocks!

The nutritionals for the crust aren't that great (quite high in calories), but if it tastes THAT good then it might be worth it!

I would love a copy of ur book (:

Ilana said...

Oh, does that pizza look absolutely fabulous. I love how good tomatoes are in the summer ... You just made me want that pizza. Thanks. :)

Crystal said...

The pizza crust looks awesome! We've only made a deep dish once, but would love to do it again - yum!

-Crystal

Eric Paul said...

OMG, that looks wonderful! Do you have any gluten-free pizza crust recipes avaialable?

Anonymous said...

That looks amazing! Slowly trying to veganize my food, and pizza is a hard one to give up, but this just might do the trick.

Holly

Anonymous said...

What we have here is a variation on my favorite summer staple: open-faced (usually on ciabata, but sometimes on olive bread) pesto and tomato sandwiches. I would eat them every single day if I thought I could get all my nutrients that way.

The pizza crust sounds great, but something tells me it isn't available on the East Coast. I'll have to have a look around, just in case. Otherwise, I guess I'll have to come up with my own recipe!

The Prairie Chick said...

I may be addicted to pizza. I have it a least once per week but I've never had it with a cornmeal crust - it sounds wonderful.

I really enjoy your cookbooks but I would love to see your DVD - I'm crossing my fingers.
Daneen

aimee said...

Why oh Why can't I find that pizza crust. I keep seeing it on other blogs, as well. Must. Find. Crust. Don't enter me in the contest. I have all three. And really excited to have all four!!
Aimee
( I think that makes me a groupie?)

Extended Duvvuri Family said...

Hi Dreena,

As usual, after your post I want to run out and get the crust and make that pizza. You should try making pizza in an Indian style, using cumin/hing/mustard seed in your sauce and adding a dribble of chilli flakes/garlic/cumin/olive oil before eating - Divine! I want your cookbook!

Harini

Anonymous said...

I can't wait to see the pesto recipe! Eat, Drink and Be Vegan and Vive Le Vegan are both on my Amazon wish list. Looks great!

laura k said...

Wow, that looks insanely good! That pesto recipe sounds exciting! :)

KariDyan said...

WAHHHHH! I want the DVD!!

Dreena, your stuff is fabulous. I use both of your books at least twice a week.

you rock.

Kari

Anonymous said...

MMmm that pizza crust is awesome. They carry it at our Trader Joes in CA. I got particularly good reviews when I topped it with TJ's yellow curry, onions, yellow squash, carrots, peanuts and soyrella. Unforutnately it's richness didn't slow me down as much as it ought! ;-)
And please enter me in the contest, I'm Lisa Goldman at goldmanlisa@yahoo.com

Thanks!

LizNoVeggieGirl said...

that pizza is pure perfection, Dreena! I like the simple toppings; and wow, that pesto sounds/looks incredible!

I would love to own Vive, since I'm sure it's just as amazing of a cookbook as TEV (which I LOOOVE!!!) - I hope to continue expanding my cookbook collection :0)

Dino said...

I'd loooove a copy, Dreena! <3

Heather said...

I so want the pizza and Vive Le Vegan!! Oh yeah.

Jillian of Bitchin' Vegan Kitchen said...

I love contests!

Cashew pesto sounds awesome!

princesstofu said...

i can't wait to get my hands on the new pesto recipe. please enter me in the drawing. i am lusting after the dvd! :)

crankymommy said...

WOW, that pizza looks crazy good. I just started reading the blog (don't know why it took me so long!) and it's fantastic, so thank you! I hope I win a cookbook... but if not, I'll probably buy it, so no love lost :)

Anonymous said...

I will definitely look out for that crust at the store. Delish!

Anonymous said...

I must see if I can find that crust here in Quebec. I would love to have a copy of the book as well.

Anonymous said...

Your pizza looks delightful! Lemon Cashew-Basil Pesto... I'm hooked! :)

Thanks Dreena!

~Justin~

jess said...

Ooh lala. A drawing! I hope I win you book!

The pizza looks delicious..=)

Avian Mooch, or a Really Angry Cow said...

I'm commenting just for the contest. Though ooooooh I'm going to have to start reading this blog regularly! Everything looks.. delicious.

Though I don't check blogs regularly, so you can always contact me on lovermind at VFF.

Anonymous said...

Two of my faves...pizza and pesto!

bazu said...

yay, I love contests! and I love pizza! so I'm a very happy blogger tonight. =)

Anonymous said...

The pizza looks wonderful!

I have the DVD and when I read your blogs I hear the cute Canadian way you talk in my head. It makes the amazing food you talk about even more awesome!

Oh - and I voted for you in the VegNews poll. :)

Anonymous said...

I already have both of your books and have already pre-ordered your new one (can't wait). Would love the DVD...

Sheree' said...

I will have to check out our Whole Foods and see if they have that crust. Hmmm maybe trader joes. Your description makes it sound so good. I can't wait for your new book. My list of growing recipes is driving me crazy. (no not really, just excited)

Get some rest and enjoy life!

Anonymous said...

Dreena, your pizza (and the falafels below) looks mouth-wateringly delicious! Vegans everywhere are lucky to have such wonderful food! :-)


Pamela D

Mindy said...

That is one super delicious looking pizza, oh my. I need to see if we have any crusts like that around here...

Anonymous said...

I would love to make a hummus pizza with that pizza crust!

Anonymous said...

You were not kidding about those Thick tomato slices! Looks Delightful...Pizza at my house, tomorrow, it is! Minus the olives.

Awesome.

Cheers,
Danielle-Rodeo Warhola

Guinevere said...

That pizza looks amazing. I am a huge pesto fan and I can't wait to get your new book and try the pesto recipe :)

Vegan_Noodle said...

Your pizza looks awesome, can't wait to get the new pesto recipe. I absolutely love your sun-dried tomato pesto from everday vegan. I'm one of those that has all three, but would love to get a copy for my mom!

Anonymous said...

As usual your food looks amazing! I used to love pesto pizza, but had forgotten about it. Please enter me in the giveaway drawing.

sebrco(at)yahoo(dot)com

Sarah R

Unknown said...

Consider me entered! I love checking out your recipes...pizzas, salad dressings, etc.

Anonymous said...

The pizza looks awesome, too bad we dont have that crust here.


i will love to win the DVD!

David said...

time for me to whip up a spelt crust of my own i think! yum! i would like to be entered into the contest! thanks! excellent blog!

Anonymous said...

looks and sounds delicious!!!

i want to win the book. but i am not from us or canada. but i know someone who would take care of the mailing stuff. does this count?

radioactivegan said...

That pizza looks delicious! I can hardly wait for ED&BV to come out!

angela said...

lookie what we'll do for free stuff! I am interested in the crust - can't get that here in Nanaimo - & most prebakeds are all wheat & weirdness - yeck! Pesto - with lemon - yummy - brilliant - can not wait - oops - better go eat!

Seyda said...

This pizza looks great! I have been making crust from VwaV modified to be whole wheat. I think the texture is something like what you are describing here, not doughy, but nutty and hearty.

Jill Renee said...

it's good to see that one can still have pizza after going off dairy.

yours looks beautiful! (almost too nice to eat ;)

Anonymous said...

Dreena,

Your pizza looks fabulous. What else do you like to put on your pesto pizza? I would love to be entered in the draw.

Thank You, Sarah L

Alicia said...

I'm new to this whole vegan food blog world and I'm really enjoying it. The pizza looks delicious.
Alicia

Rachel said...

ME, ME, PICK ME! :) Your pizza looks out of this world. Too bad we don't have that brand of pizza crust. I will try making a corn meal crust.

EB said...

Oh, gosh, I'm completely loving and inspired by the copy of Vive I won, but am I allowed to enter the new contest? Hm...crossing my fingers!

um yeah said...

That pizza looks awesome. I love coming to your blog and seeing your wonderful pictures. I've been having some vegan frustration lately and your blog has inspired me to keep trying. Thanks. :)

Dawn said...

The pizza looks tasty - as the foods usually do here. I can't wait for a local book store to open here (n. FL) so that I can buy Eat Drink and be Vegan when it comes out.

LK Sisters said...

The pizza looks so simple and yet so elegant! I love spelt pizza crusts and usually have on it diced pineapple, tomatoes, tomato sauce with fresh basil, bell peppers, mushrooms, and garlic. Do you usually buy your pesto? Which grocery store do you shop? Also, Thanks for the giveaway contest possibility!

Anonymous said...

Italian homemade pizza is always devine! Thanks for the great idea of pesto and spelt pizza crusts! I usually use tomato sauce or just olive oil and garlic.
Thanks for having the drawing contest!

Meighen said...

Great looking pizza! I hope I win the book :)

tam said...

Thanks for your generous offer--I've checked out Vive le Vegan from the library but would love to have my own copy!

Tam

Anonymous said...

Well, you're going to be hearing from lots of us! I tried to find that falafel at Save-on foods in Burnaby, but wasn't successful. Do you remember where in the store it was? And the pizza looks wonderful. But one question, only half joking....how do you manage to create so many yummy foods, and lots of desserts, and still stay svelte?

Carol S.

Anonymous said...

Ooh, ooh, ooh! Please pick me! I really like your blog. Please enter me for whichever book has more pictures! -JS

wingraclaire said...

That pizza looks delicious. We have lots of basil in our garden right now, so I'll give it a try. Thanks for the idea!

Carrie™ said...

Oh Dreena! I'm sure you know by now how much I like pizza, (Not as much as chocolate mind you) & you're taking off for a few days and leaving that picture up to taunt me. Shame on you!
Happy long weekend!

Anonymous said...

Beautiful pizza, Dreena! That pesto sounds heavenly and I'll definitely be on the lookout for that crust.

Looking foward to the new book!

Sean Boocock said...

Enjoy the blog and would love a copy of your book.

Sean

Anonymous said...

Wow! Look at all those comments...thanks for the crust tip. I look forward to trying it.

Anonymous said...

Can't wait for the new book so I can try out that delicious-sounding pesto recipe!

TJF said...

Yum!

Muse said...

the pizza looks so scrumptious!!!

Jenni (aka Vegyogini) said...

Wow, that pizza looks amazing! I'd love to be entered in the drawing. Thank you!

Brooke said...

I, too, adore those pizza crusts, but I had a hard time finding them the last time I went shopping. I could only find the cheesy pre-made Viccolo pizzas. *sigh*
And that PESTO.....yum!

Anonymous said...

Gee - This looks delicious! I Love interesting pizzas. Hope the kids will love this one.

Anonymous said...

Dreena!

Your blog and books are so inspiring to me. I am usually just a lurker, but the thought of having your dvd pushed me out of lurkdom. I love both of your books and am really looking forward to the next one.

Fluffybunny aka Keli M.

Anonymous said...

wow.. I've just recently fallen in love with spelt flour.. I will have to hunt this crust down (or learn to make a version at home..!) the nutty flavor must be amazing with that pesto..

Marathon Someday said...

boo hoo. I'm late by a day, I think - but I'm going to try and enter myself anyway.

I have been dying for your book for ages, but can't afford it since i'm on maternity leave right now.

love your cookin' and the blog. you rock.

Anonymous said...

We've used the Vicolo crust several times now (got it at our Whole Foods store) and absolutely love it. We just sautee some veggies to put on a layer of spaghetti sauce and add kalamata olives. Divine!

urban vegan said...

Hope I'm not too late. I 'd love the DVD...and the deep dish pizza!

You're so sweet to do these giveaways, Dreena.

Anonymous said...

I would just love a copy of Vive - so here's hoping...!

Anonymous said...

Thanks for the pizza idea! I actually made my own version of this a couple of nights ago (inspired by your blog!) and it turned out delicious! :)

Amey said...

oh dear... what does a girl do with 93 comments! and yet, I'll leave a 94th, just to torment you.

I love love love those vicolo crusts. In fact, it takes a major act of discipline for me to walk past them at the store. Especially in these months of glorious tomatoes and basil.

Also, I guess I love you too much! I just got my DVD in the mail this weekend... and havent' watched it yet. But I can't wait!

I just blogged about some great chocolate pecan chip cookies from Vive that I made with my nephew this weekend. They were great!

veganmomma said...

MMM, I've tried that crust before, with pesto, but now I want to try your pesto recipe. And your pizza looks much nicer than mine! I'd love the DVD, but I think i am too late to "enter".

Dreena said...

WHOA! Giveaways are fun, huh?! :)

To get to a few of your questions...

Teresa, right now I'm loving this crust, but it does have its place. There are times I want a traditional pizza, and want a traditional crust and go for a w/w pizza crust. Then, when I want something different from the standard crust, this one is just perfect, and it gives you the feeling like you've made something just a little more special... when it's just as easy! (btw, we cannot get the Rustic Crusts here. I had some samples which I loved, but now I have found a few whole-wheat crusts that are okay (not as good as the Rustic tho))

Eric, no sorry I don't have any gluten-free pizza crusts. Often, though, I use flour tortillas for pizza crusts. If you can find gluten-free (maybe hemp or rice?) tortillas, prebake them to crisp them a little... then you can top much like a pizza - hummus is my fave on tortilla 'crusts'. Good luck!

Hi Ramona, I'd love to say 'yes' (really!), but to be fair to everyone else outside of US/Canada, I cannot make exceptions. Sorry. :(

Sarah L, you can top it with anything you like... veg that are your favorites, like sliced/julienned zucchini, red/yellow bell peppers, marinated/grilled eggplant, sundried tomatoes, roasted mushrooms, etc. With the pesto on this crust, it can be rich with cheese nuts added, but on a traditional pizza crust, sprinkling some pine nuts on the finished pizza is tasty, and you can use vegan cheese as well if you like it. Just a few ideas!

lk, I never buy my pestos, I always make them. I've never found a prepared pesto without dairy in it. Maybe in your area you can find some vegan pestos, but we have nothing here. I shop at Choices Markets primarily, and then also get some things at Save-On at times.

Hi Carol S. - I'll be happy to hear lots from you. :) I found the falafels in the deli area, in one of the freestanding coolers. Also in the cooler I think were types of hummus, dips, maybe olives on the other side. Hopefully you'll find them there again next time. And as for your other question, well, I do exercise, and though I eat my treats (I have ice-cream just about every day!) I have just enough to satisfy my sweet tooth... plus, I eat lots of veg - (and greens!) and other healthy stuff. I guess that balances my need for the sweets. :)

Hi Brooke, our store also has the premade pizzas by Vicolo with all that cheese (eww), but these crusts were not quite next to the premade pizzas. Maybe ask your store to bring them in, since if they are already retailing Vicolo products, it shouldn't be any trouble for them!

Keli M, I'm glad the contest gave you that gentle 'push' out of lurkdom! :)


Thanks everyone for the cheery comments... I'll announce the winner soon!