Innovative Inspiration for my Kitchen

Last month I became a Pampered Chef consultant and I bet you can't guess the reason.. ;) Yep, now I get to talk about food and kitchen tools to lots of people in person! In addition, I get to grow my own kitchen supplies and try out even more new recipes and techniques. If I make any money at it, that's just bonus, I really just want the opportunity to talk with other people about cooking!
I have been really enjoying my new Season's Best cookbook and New Consultant recipe cards. I made Strawberry Amaretto Pastries, Mini Chocolate Tiramisu Cakes (with Coffee substituted), Taffy Apple Tartlets, Caramel-Banana Ravioli and Three-Cheese Garden Pizza so far. All sounds delectable and fattening doesn't it? I love that these recipes are made in small portions and when I make them I get to share them with a group of people. I've also found that I can freeze a few and they keep just great until I need a treat to serve some other day!
Another thing I've really enjoyed is that the Pampered Chef recipes are so versitale they are great for putting my own twist on. For example, after making the Three-Cheese Garden Pizza I thought, "Gee, that pizza would probably be great with chicken on it." One thought led to another and I ended up making a delicious Barbeque Chicken Pizza for dinner the next week!
Here's how I did it; first I oiled my baking stone, rolled out some homemade pizza crust, basted it with a mixture of oil and fresh pressed garlic, and smoothed on a somewhat generous helping of my favorite barbeque sauce to the edges of the dough. Over the sauce, I spread some chicken I had pan fried in coconut oil and chopped into bite size squares, and topped it with some shedded mozzerella cheese and crumbled 3-4 fresh crisp bacon strips on top.(Not too crisp because the baking will make it even crunchier.) Baked at 400 degrees for about 15 minutes. It was delicious with a great big helping of garden salad and ranch dressing! Are you hungry yet? Good! Make it, it's easy and you'll love it! ;)