Our son Cameron, the consumate actor, lives in Philadelphia PA. We traveled there yesterday to see his play, A Midsummer Night’s Dream. All I have to say is WOW!! We were blown away. If you are in the area stop by, cop a squat, and enjoy. They are perfoming in Liberty Lands Park and it’s free.

Philadelphia, known as the birthplace of American democracy. It was named by William Penn. Philadephia is Greek for “brotherly love”. The first capitol of our nation, home of the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall, the signing of the  Declaration  of Independence, the Eagles football team, the Flyers, and Boyz II Men. Philly is rich in history and the arts. A walk through the city is a breathtaking view of architecture at it’s finest.

It is also a haven for foodies with some of the best retaurants and chefs in the world. Did you know that Philly is famous for it’s cheesesteaks, soft pretzels, peeps, and Philadelphia cream cheese? It’s also home of the wing bowl, an eating competition that draws nearly 20,000 people. Who doesn’t love wings?

We had a fantastic meal at El Camino Real. Tacos and Margueritas all around for everybody. Very close to where our son lives and plays; in a very hip, up and coming neighborhood. Wahlburgers was directly across the street, sadly no sightings of Mark. I was hopeful!!!

You always look at your children and wonder if they are eating right and taking care of themselves. In an effort to ensure that, I told him I would start sending him some recipes that were easy. One of Cameron’s favorite meals has always been my goat cheese pizzas. Simple to make, light, few ingredients, and very tasty and filling. I figure that a starving actor can afford to make them too. I am posting this recipe in honor of him and his play. I hope you enjoy it too! By the way, Cameron is center stage in the red scarf!

GOAT CHEESE PIZZAS

Ingredients:

• Olive oil, 1/4 to 1/2 C
• Garlic cloves, peeled, lightly smashed
• Fresh tomatoes, thinly sliced
• Goat cheese, 1 log
• Naan or flatbreads, amount depends on number you want to make
• Fresh Basil, coarsley chopped
• Salt, pepper, crushed red peppers, to taste

Directions:

1. Pre-heat the oven to 450 degrees, place rack to 2nd lowest position in your oven.
2. Brush the naan or flatbreads with olive oil and sprinkle some sea salt on the crust to taste. Put on the rack in the oven and pre-bake for about 4-5 minutes.
3. Remove crust from the oven and with the smashed garlic clove, rub it all over the crust while still warm.
4. Layer the tomatoes in a single layer all over the crust.
5. Top with goat cheese, the amount depends on how much you would like.
6. Put back in the oven and bake for an additional 7-10 minutes until the crust is crisp and browned, less if you don’t like it crunchy.
7. Remove and top with the chopped basil.
8. Salt and pepper to your taste and add crushed red peppers if you like a little heat.
9. Drizzle lightly with additional olive oil.
10. Cut into servings and eat immediately.

It’s just that easy. It makes a great, light, summer meal or quick appetizer for guests. It also helps with those bounty of tomatoes that are soon to come.

Til next time,

Ciao xoxo