Pizza Night Monday

I know Monday isn't a usual pizza night or at least not for us. Friday always seems like pizza night. Last Friday we ate at the Longhorn in Asheville, so no pizza for us. When Monday rolled around and I needed a quick supper, we finally had our pizza.

On Saturday we worked around the house all day and dinner was late on the deck.

Teriyaki Grilled Salmon
Roasted Potatoes
Oriental Salad *
Roasted Pita Points with Tzatziki Sauce
Blood Orange Margaritas *

I had bought some blood oranges at Fresh Market last week and I wanted to make something that would show their pretty red color. Blood Orange Margaritas fit the bill.
I used Sauza Tres Generaciones (Blanco), and they were so good.

BLOOD ORANGE MARGARITAS

1 cup Blood Orange Juice
1/3 cup Freshly Squeezed Lime Juice
1/2 cup Cointreau ( Triple Sec will do in a bind)
1 cup Tequila (100% blue agave)
3/4 cup Diet Sprite

Mix and serve over ice. I only like salt with original margaritas, but feel free.
Treat it well, I just gave you my secret to great margaritas.

ORIENTAL SALAD

1 Package Cole Slaw Mix
2 Packages Oriental Flavor Ramen Noodles
2 Small Packages Slivered Almonds
½ Cup Vegetable Oil
½ Cup Balsamic Vinegar
4 Tbsp. Sugar
2 Seasoning Packets from Ramen Noodles
½ Tsp. Kosher Salt
¾ Tsp. Pepper

Break up Ramen Noodles in package. Remove seasoning packets (save for dressing). Place noodles and almonds in a shallow pan and place in oven at 400 until lightly brown (about 15 minutes). Stir occasionally to insure even toasting.
Combine vegetable oil, balsamic vinegar, sugar, seasoning packets from the Ramen Noodles, salt and pepper in a jar with a tight fitting lid. Shake well. This is even better if you make the dressing the day before, but not crucial.
In a large bowl combine noodles and almonds (cooled) with Cole Slaw Mix. Pour dressing over top and serve immediately.


PIZZA SAUCE

1 – 16 oz. can tomato sauce
1 – 8 oz. can tomato paste
2 Tbsp. olive oil
2 cloves minced garlic
2 Tbsp. brown sugar
1 Tbsp. balsamic vinegar
1 beef bouillon cube
1/2 tsp. salt
1 tsp. dried basil
t tsp. onion powder
1/2 tsp. oregano
1/4 tsp. pepper


In a med sauce pan, add olive oil; turn down to low.Add garlic and stir until it is fragrant and hot, but not cooked.Add tomato sauce and paste, sugar, salt, bouillon cube and spices. Bring to a boil and then reduce heat to low and add balsamic vinegar. Simmer for about 20 minutes. Taste sauce and adjust seasoning to taste,adding more sugar if desired, or salt and pepper.

Trust me, you will never use store bought sauce again.

So, until tomorrow.......
S~~