Pizza Muffins

These are part of my "fast food" collection. When I have time, I make a batch and throw them in the freezer. Then I can pull them out on those days when life is crazy and it's suddenly lunch time but I haven't even started to make anything. A few seconds in the microwave... cut up some fruit... and VOILA - Lunch!

1 1/4 cups whole wheat flour
1 1/4 cups all purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon dried basil
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried onion flakes
1 tablespoon sugar
1 cup chopped pizza meat (pepperoni, sausage, etc.)
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 egg, beaten
1 1/2 cups buttermilk
1/4 cup shredded Parmesan cheese

Preheat oven to 375. In a large bowl, mix together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, basil, oregano, onion flakes, and sugar. Mix in cheese and pizza meat. If you use pepperoni, either buy the small diced variety or chop it pretty finely. If you use sausage, be sure to cook it thoroughly and break it up - I like to throw it in my food processor after cooking to break it up in to little pieces. In a smaller bowl, beat the egg, then whisk in buttermilk. Add the buttermilk mixture to the flour mixture and stir to combine thoroughly. Spoon batter into muffin cups until 2/3 full. Sprinkle tops with Parmesan cheese. Bake for 15 minutes. Yummy with ketchup frosting!

Eggplant Pizza

My brother found some gorgeous eggplant at the Farmer's market this weekend, so I dug around online for a new way to make them and found this...

Slice eggplant into 1/2" rounds. Dip in beaten egg and dredge in mixture of
1/2 cup flour
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp pepper
1 tsp oregano

Meanwhile, heat 1/4 cup vegetable oil in skillet. Place eggplant rounds in hot oil and cook until tender and browned on both sides. Remove to paper towel lined plate to drain. You could also spray the rounds with cooking spray and place under broiler if you don't want to fry them.

After the eggplant has cooled a little, place the rounds on a cooking sheet and top with pizza sauce, cheese, and any other toppings you enjoy. Place under broiler for about 5 minutes - until cheese is melted.

We made individual pizza rounds, but I imagine you could also use eggplant to make a large pizza crust by slicing it a bit thinner and overlapping the cooked eggplant to fill your pizza pan. Just be aware that the crust will not be firm enough to eat with your hands - but it will taste wonderful!