Spinach and Goat Cheese Pizza

So this weekend, I did what I typically do about once a month and that was to throw together some quick pizza dough. I had no clue as to what I was going to do with it, but I did know that if I asked the kids if they wanted pizza for dinner, they would immediately say yes. An enthusiastic yes at that. After all, pizza is one of the family favorites, and a reason why I make the dough.

Sure, I do buy frozen pizzas for the kids, as one like pepperoni, while the other likes sausage, and the other likes cheese. I just find it a lot easier, and lot more enjoyable to show my kids that by making pizza dough, you can make your own creation. You do not have to be limited to the standards, and that we a bit of imagination, your pizza can be anything you want it to be.

So this past weekend, this is what it became. A mound of delicious pizza dough, which was made into a spinach and goat cheese pizza, while the remainder of the dough, was used for a deep-dish pizza. Both were truly delicious, and extremely easy to put together. If you are looking to break away from the traditional pizza toppings, try this one on for size.

Ingredients:

• 3 cups of spinach, cleaned
• 1 tbsp of olive oil
• Pinch of salt
• Pinch of pepper
• 1/2 lemon; zest and juice
• Red onion, thinly sliced rings
• 1 cup of goat cheese
• Pizza dough
• Pinch of fine corn meal

Begin by rolling out your dough to your desired thickness. I like mine a bit thin. Refer to the pizza dough recipe if you have questions. Next, heat a medium skillet on medium heat and add in the olive oil. Add the spinach and cook until it wilts. Remove this from the heat and add in the zest and juice of half of the lemon. Season with salt and pepper.

Preheat your pizza stone in the oven to 450 degrees. If you do not have a stone, use a large baking sheet. Once preheated, remove the stone/pan from the oven, and sprinkle the corn meal onto the stone. This helps the dough to be removed a lot easier. I have a pizza board that I sprinkle corn meal on instead, which helps me slide the dough and toppings onto the stone. Your call.

To make the pizza, sprinkle about half a cup of the goat cheese on the bottom of the dough. Sprinkle the spinach on top of the pizza dough, and then add the remaining cheese. Add your sliced onions to the top, and bake in your preheated oven for about 15-18 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown. Slice and serve.