Veggie Gluten Free Pizza

In the short period between November 1963 and June 1968, four major political figures including the president of the United States were assassinated at the same time an estimated 700 uprisings took place in every major and many minor cities around the nation. When Dr. King was killed I remember my parents being distraught yet cognizant, thus determined the significance of the moment would not be taken for granted nor squandered. I think they wanted my brother and I to understand the gravity of the foulness we daily witnessed despite us being just shy of 6 and 4 years old. A mandate was issued that day. History is an informative tool for placing present day into perspective.

As more and more of us are deciding to, or being required to, sequester ourselves at home, ordering takeout may not be the surest choice. Let’s be clear – the odds are we will survive the pandemic and that eating at home ensures we will consume more antioxidants because restaurants tend not to focus on vegetables. In keeping, I decided to make a Veggie Gluten Free Pizza, something I had not done in years, but this time I bought a gluten free crust because I have seemed to develop a late life wheat allergy. Take a few deep breaths and turn off the TV.

Veggie Gluten Free Pizza

• Against the Grain Gourmet Pizza Shell
• 10 chopped organic Yellow Cherry tomatoes
• 1/2 medium organic Zucchini
• 1 Tbs. organic Olive Oil
• 1 Tbs. Parmesan
• 1 Cup chopped organic Broccoli
• 1 stalk organic Spring Garlic
• 2 large chopped organic Cremini Mushrooms
• 1-2 Cups grated organic Mozzarella
• 1/2 Beyond Meat Hot Italian Sausage
• 4-6 chopped Sanniti Castelvetrano Olives
• Real Salt to taste
• Fennel Seeds
• Oregano
• Basil

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Remove the crust from the plastic wrapping keeping it on the cardboard round. Allow the crust to thaw to room temperature then massage it with olive oil. Begin layering with Parmesan, tomatoes, garlic and sprinkle of salt. Then add a layer of each vegetable, sausage and finishing with the cheese, fennel, oregano and basil. Carrying the pizza on the cardboard use it to place the pizza directly on the top rack. Bake 8 to 10 minutes and remove by using a knife to slide pizza onto the cardboard round or a large, flat plate. Serves 3 to 4.