Episode Two - Pizza Challenge

This week was fun...and I knew what I wanted to do at the first commercial break last Sunday night! Challenge: present a pizza that reflects you, on camera, in one minute.

Since I'm from Chicago, the deep dish part was a no-brainer. As a Swedish-American, pulling in my heritage was the creative element: a Swedish meatball pizza! Do a white pizza with the meat topping of smashed Swedish meatballs - and what a winner it turned out to be!

Crust: Publix bakery provided (although I have a great recipe that's on the sight this week). The trick to the crust is to heavily coat the plate with olive oil for that typical "fried" Chicago deep crust.

Cheese: Swedish fontina slices. Fontina is a good melting cheese, and therefore a winning substitute for mozzarella.

I took some liberties by adding chopped spinach, but this reflects my philosophy of adding in healthy elements when you least expect. That's what most moms do, right?

Lastly, the creamy meatballs, taught to me by my grandmother. Nothing brings back homey comfort than the smell of those filling the house, whether put on noodles, mashed potatoes, or in this week's case, in a pizza pie!

I would recommend this dish with a nice, cold Swedish pilsner. Our longtime friends are the US distributors, and if you want to try the package deal, order up some authentic Swedish brew...

Special thanks to my "guest" Matt, Emma's boyfriend and thanks to everyone who contributed last week!

To improve the quality, this week is in two parts: tomato sauce and swedish meatballs in beef bechamel...

A New Focus Just Because

As most of you already know, I am a big fan of the summer series "The Next Food Network Star". Truth be told, I'm a foodie through and through. Culinary entertainment and activities are my creative outlet, and of course The Man About The House has come to enjoy this hobby of mine!

For a year I have wanted to begin vlogging some demonstrations of favorite foods. There are many reasons.

1. I now have three grown daughters who are in new stages of their own culinary development. This is a way for me to have some time in the kitchen, so to speak, with them and continue teaching skills as they develop into their own style and culinary points of view.

2. I want to hone in on my camera chops to prepare for my own audition and pursuit of being on The Next Food Network Star!

3. Probably the biggest reasons is she makes this look like fun!

So, this is a work in process. Please be kind in feedback with my "episodes", but I can take it as well. I really want to learn and grow. Feel free to share recipes and ideas...I want to hear from you if you're taking time out of your day to stay in touch!

Also, a big shout out to my cousin, Peter Mowry and his fellow musician Brian Westrin for their permission to use their music off their "Epiphany" album!! Thanks guys! If you don't know their stuff, listen here...

So, without any more delay, enjoy the first episode of "Inside Mom's Kitchen"!