Dinner with Neighbors

I'm a big believer in the neighbor-dinner. Moving to Southern California I thought I'd never find the kind of quaint neighborhood where kids and grown-ups mingle over a plentiful potluck. I was wrong...

buy pre-made dough or try the recipe below (my tried-and true), roll out with a dusting of rice-flour

spread with your favorite pizza sauce
 

I can send my kids up the block searching for a cupful of milk and a teaspoon of baking soda....they return with bowls full and "what's for dinner" requests ...

we always do a cheese one, then experiment with the rest...try zucchini, red peppers, pesto, chicken, pine nuts, tomatoes, basil, mushrooms, sausage...the possibilities are endless...

Last night I hosted a small neighbor-dinner of DIY stromboli (or as my son likes to call it..."Strong-boli"). All you need is pizza dough, mozzarella and some fixin's... Everyone can make their own.

I set out bowls of cheese, veggies, pepperoni, linguica, etc...and everyone rolls their own. Bake for about 12-15 minutes in a 450º oven. Serve with a giant green salad and chianti.

Did I mention I really like my neighbors?

about half-way done

So there is no excuse not to host a casual dinner with friends this weekend!

My favorite dough recipe (I always make a double or triple batch to freeze):

Whisk 1 package active yeast and a pinch of sugar into 1/2 cup really warm water. Let sit for 5 minutes (it should bubble). In a large bowl, combine 3 cups white whole wheat flour and 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt. Mix in 3/4 cups milk and 2 tablespoons olive oil. Add yeast mixture. (Add milk if its too dry). 

Plop onto a rice-floured surface and knead a couple of minutes. Let rise in a covered, oiled bowl for a couple of hours. When ready to use, dust with rice flour and roll out a rectangle (or whatever shape the dough turns into). Set rolled dough on a cookie sheet (I usually sprinkle mine with corn meal). 

Spread with sauce and add the good stuff. Roll and pinch all ends closed.