Pizza

Pesto, Cheese & Fresh Tomato Pizza

Homemade pesto and fresh, ripe tomatoes make this a great summertime pizza.

Makes one 14-inch (35 cm) pizza or two 9-inch (22.5 cm) pizzas, to serve 4

Pizza Dough, p. 27

1/2 pound (227 g) firm but ripe plum tomatoes

1/2 ounce (14 g) Reggiano Parmesan, cut in 1/2-inch (1.25 cm) cubes

1-1/2 ounces (43 g) Italian fontina cheese, very well chilled

3 tablespoons (45 ml) pesto, p. 30

1teaspoon (5 ml) extra virgin olive oil Cornmeal for dusting the peel or pan

2ounces (57 g) fresh mozzarella, very well chilled

Prepare the Pizza Dough and let rise. Position the top rack of the oven about 8 inches

(20 cm) from the top. If using a baking stone, place it on the rack. Preheat the oven to 500˚ F (260˚ C).

Bring 6 cups (1.5 L) of water to a boil in a medium saucepan. Cut a shallow “x” in the bottom of each tomato. Blanch the tomatoes in the boiling water for 30 seconds, then immediately plunge them into a bowl of iced water. When cool, slip the skins off. Slice the stem end off each tomato; set aside.

Insert the metal blade. With the machine running, drop the Parmesan cheese cubes down the feed tube. Process 15 seconds; leave in bowl. Insert the shredding disc. Use medium pres- sure to shred the mozzarella and fontina. Remove the cheeses to a bowl; toss to combine and reserve. Insert the slicing disc. One at a time, place the tomatoes in the small feed tube. Use very light pressure to slice. Place the sliced tomatoes on a triple thick layer of paper tow- els to drain.

When the dough has risen, punch down, use as is or divide into 2 equal balls. Let rest 10 minutes. Roll the dough out to size. Place on a baker’s peel that has been sprinkled with corn meal, or on a perforated pizza pan, a pizza screen or baking sheet without sides that has been sprinkled with corn meal. Brush the edges with the olive oil, then using an offset spatula, spread the pizza to 3/4-inch (1.88 cm) of the edges with the pesto sauce, using 3 tablespoons (45 ml) on the 14-inch (35 cm) pizza and 1-1/2 tablespoons (25 ml) on each 9-inch (22.5 cm) pizza. Sprinkle the pizza(s) with the shredded cheeses. Top with the drained, sliced tomatoes.

Carefully slide the pizza onto the stone (position the peel over the back edge of the stone, and use a rocking motion to shake and slide the pizza off the peel onto the stone), or place the pan into the hot oven. Bake the pizza for 5 minutes, then rotate it front to back for even baking. Bake for another 3 to 6 minutes, until the pizza is bubbly, and the edges of the dough are golden brown, puffed and crispy. Remove from the oven and let rest on a rack for 2 to 3 minutes before slicing.

Preparation: 1 hour for the pizza dough (Cuisinart recipe, p. 27); then 20 minutes plus 12 minutes to bake

Nutritional analysis per serving:

Calories 365 (from fat 33%) • carb. 46g • pro. 15g • fat 13g

sat. fat 5g • chol. 21mg • sod. 678mg • fiber 2g

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Cuisinart DLC-2007NC manual Pesto, Cheese & Fresh Tomato Pizza
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DLC-2007NC specifications

The Cuisinart DLC-2007NC is an exceptional food processor that has established itself as a go-to kitchen appliance for home chefs and culinary enthusiasts alike. Renowned for its versatility, durability, and user-friendly design, this model is perfect for a range of cooking tasks, from chopping vegetables to preparing complex meals.

One of the standout features of the DLC-2007NC is its powerful 600-watt motor. This robust engine allows for efficient processing, making light work of tough ingredients like nuts and hard vegetables. The large 7-cup capacity bowl is another significant attribute, allowing users to prepare meals for families or small gatherings in one batch, thus saving time and effort in the kitchen.

The DLC-2007NC comes equipped with a variety of stainless-steel blades and discs, including a chopping/mixing blade, slicing disk, and shredding disk. This versatility enables users to achieve different textures and preparations, from finely chopped herbs to perfectly sliced vegetables or shredded cheese. The simple mechanism for changing the blades and discs makes it easy for cooks of all skill levels to switch between tasks seamlessly.

Featuring a simple and intuitive design, the food processor is easy to operate, with a straightforward control panel that includes on, off, and pulse buttons. The transparent work bowl allows for clear visibility of the ingredients as they are processed, ensuring precision in preparation. Additionally, the wide feed tube eliminates the need for pre-cutting smaller vegetables, streamlining the cooking process.

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In conclusion, the Cuisinart DLC-2007NC food processor is a valuable addition to any kitchen. With its powerful motor, versatile attachments, user-friendly controls, and robust safety features, it simplifies cooking preparations, making culinary creativity accessible to everyone. Whether you are an experienced chef or a beginner in the kitchen, this food processor is sure to enhance your cooking experience and efficiency.
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