THE SKY'S THE LIMIT... STROMBOLI'S

SCHOOL'S OUT!!!

WHEW HEW!!!

In my house summer time is a big deal. It means it's time for us to wipe off the sweat, of cabin fever and bask in the awaited sunshine all the day! Flip flops and bikini's are accompanied by hats and sunscreen these days! Nevertheless, white legs and all, I will be basking all right, in all the delightful and delicious summer recipes!

So, today I'd like to launch off the summer in style, with an evening appetizer meal that will be a hit with all your family members and guests of any age, plus, it's a super simple and quick meal that won't leave you slaving in the kitchen. To make this recipe a real winner, let your guests create their own dish by setting up a buffet of toppings for all to choose from!

HERE IS ALL YOU NEED FOR AN ABUNDANT ITALIAN FARE BUFFET,

STROMBOLI STYLE!

You will need one Pillsbury Thin Pizza Crust for each two guests... each Stromboli serves two or four if you slice then into appetizers!!!!!

INGREDIENTS:

PILLSBURY THIN PIZZA CRUST

1/4 CUP OF YOUR FAVORITE MARINARA SAUCE

COOKED ITALIAN SAUSAGE(OPTIONAL)

4OZ. OF PHILADELPHIA CREAM CHEESE SOFTENED

1/4 CUP SHREDDED MOZZARELLA CHEESE

1/4 CUP SHREDDED MONTEREY JACK CHEESE

1/4 CUP RICOTTA CHEESE(OPTIONAL)

2TBS OLIVE OIL

1/4 CUP KRAFT PARMESAN CHEESE

1 CUP CHEESY GARLIC CROUTONS

HERE ARE SOME SUGGESTIONS FOR OTHER OPTIONAL INGREDIENTS... REMEMBER THE SKY'S THE LIMIT HERE...

MUSHROOMS, OLIVES, HAM, PINEAPPLE, PEPPERONI, BAKED CHICKEN, GREEN & RED PEPPERS, ONION, BASIL, TOMATOES, GARLIC, SPINACH, ARTICHOKE HEARTS...ETC...

NOW, ROLL OUT YOUR THIN PIZZA CRUST. In a medium bowl combine cheeses, marinara sauce and all toppings of your choice. Now, mix well! Pour your ingredients into center of your pizza crust. Fold both sides in first, like you would roll a burrito, and then do just that, roll and fold edge over so that it looks like a giant burrito. Now brush the top of the Stromboli with olive oil and place oil side down onto a plate of crushed CHEESY GARLIC CROUTONS & PARMESAN CHEESE, brush other side with olive oil and ROLL THE STROMBOLI until it is completely covered in mixture. Place Stromboli onto a lightly greased baking sheet and cook according to the instructions on the thin pizza crust package.

When Stromboli comes out of the oven it should be golden brown and lightly crispy. Serve with your favorite marinara sauce warmed up, on the side or poured over top!

SOUND DELICIOUS? I'M NOT DONE YET... NOW FOR THE COCKTAIL!

HOW DOES A WHITE PEAR MARTINI SOUND TO YOU?

ALL YOU WILL NEED FOR THIS YUMMY COCKTAIL IS AN OPEN MIND!

1 SHOT of your favorite VODKA

1 SHOT OF ABSOLUTE PEAR VODKA

I LG. CAN OF PEARS IN HEAVY SYRUP

2 SHOTS WHITE GRAPE JUICE

THIS MARTINI IS TO BE SHAKEN, NEVER STIRRED!

HERE'S HOW YOU ASSEMBLE THIS INTO THE MARTINI SHAKER...

Put in crushed ice 1/3 way up

ADD BOTH VODKAS and 2 SHOTS OF PEAR JUICE

ADD 2 SHOTS WHITE GRAPE JUICE

ADD 1 Large CHUNK OF PEAR

SHAKE, SHAKE,SHAKE

SERVE IN A CHILLED MARTINI GLASS WITH A SUGARED RIM, GARNISH WITH A CHUNK OF PEAR AND A CHERRY OR FLOAT A THIN SLICE OF PEAR ON TOP! DOUBLE THE RECIPE IN A LARGER SHAKER TO MAKE DOUBLE THE FUN!

SET UP THE STROMBOLI BAR AND MARTINI BAR, THEN JUST SIT BACK AND ENJOY WATCHING YOUR GUESTS GET CREATIVE... THIS HAS THE MAKINGS OF A PARTY YOU WILL ACTUALLY ENJOY WITH YOUR GUESTS INSTEAD OF WORKING YOUR TAIL OFF!

I'm warning you, you just might start rolling video on everyone now that your hands are free! You can document your life and memories so you can look back later and remember how blessed you are! Heck, maybe you will get that $ winning blooper video, you never know!

ENJOY! monixo