Tired of Taco Tuesday

In my house, my designated cooking days are Tuesdays and Thursdays.  I’m usually working in the shop later than I should, and rush to throw a quick dinner together.  More often than not, that means tacos on Tuesdays.  But variety being the spice of life, tonight I decided to make pizza for a change of pace.

Now I’m no gourmet chef, so my pizza is pretty basic.  I use the Pillsbury pizza crust that comes in a roll, a thin layer of tomato sauce, and some ground Italian sausage (hot and spicy please).  Next I pull out my personal cutting board and chop red onions, bell peppers and mushrooms.  Finally, I top it with mozzarella cheese and pepperoni and slip it into the oven for 15 minutes.  From opening the pizza crust tube to taking the finished pie out of the oven takes about 35 minutes.  In all honesty, I probably spend more time debating which wine to open, based on how well it will go with the meal and on my mood.

Tonight, I opened a NV Anthill Farms Winery North Coast Pinot Noir.  Maybe not the “perfect” wine to pair with pizza, but a good choice for a warm, Summer Tuesday evening.  This is a lighter-style Pinot Noir that is best served with a bit of a chill.  Lots of bright cherry, strawberry and raspberry on the nose and palate, along with some earthy notes and baking spices on the somewhat short finish.  Tannins aren’t drying and lower alcohol eliminates any alcohol “burn”.  At under $25, this was a phenomenal value.

Drop me a note with your favorite homemade pizza recipe.  I’d love to learn your secrets to the perfect pie.  And don’t forget to tell me your go-to wine for pizza or any other mid-week meal.