Cooking in the Heat

First let me say that I dislike the heat very much... ok, I HATE it! I do love to cook and this creates a problem. I don't mind making heat in the kitchen when it is not 100 degrees!! So, yesterday I turned to my crock pot. I like the grill, but the thought of cooking in the heat outside and lettin heat inside by going in/out the door, well that didn't sound good either.

I have a recipe I have been meaning to try for a Chicken Cordon Bleu Pizza. It is a strange twist on pizza... as even the crust is not "normal". The crust was made of Bisquick. I will attach the recipe here so you can try it for yourself! If you have never "baked" in your crock pot, what is stopping you?? I have even made meatloaf in the crock pot! It does take a bit longer, I noticed, but well worth it if you don't want extra heat in your kitchen!

For this recipe, I made the crust and flattened it to lay it in the crock pot. I did line the pot with foil first, so I could lift it out. I also sprayed the foil with Pam. I baked the crust for about 15-20 minutes first. Then I put the cheese sauce down and added the ham, chicken and cheese. I don't think I really timed it, again knowing it would take longer than the oven, I just waited til the cheese was all melted, but I think I baked it for another 20-30 minutes. It came out perfect!! When it was done, I simply pulled out the foil and cut it up! Just for sake of giving a different taste, I will say that I did not have any alfredo sauce. I could have made my own, but again saving heat, instead I used some broccoli and cheese soup mixed with just enough milk (about 1/2 can) to make it creamier. Perfect!

Now I can say I have done pizza in the oven, on the grill AND in the crock pot! Go Me!! LoL.

Recipe:

Chicken Cordon Bleu Pizza





Italian dinner ready in 35 minutes! Enjoy chicken pizza made using Original Bisquick® mix – a cheesy treat.

Prep Time10 Minutes -Total Time 35 Minutes - Makes 8 servings



1 1/2 cups Original Bisquick® mix

2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese

1/3 cup hot water

1/2 cup Alfredo pasta sauce (from 16-oz jar)

2 cups chopped cooked chicken

1/2 cup chopped cooked ham

1 1/2 cups finely shredded Swiss cheese (6 oz)

3 medium green onions, sliced (3 tablespoons)



Heat oven to 425°F. Spray 12-inch pizza pan or cookie sheet with cooking spray.
In medium bowl, stir Bisquick mix, Parmesan cheese and hot water until soft dough forms. Press dough in pizza pan, using fingers dipped in Bisquick mix; pinch edge to form 1/2-inch rim. Bake 7 to 8 minutes or until light golden brown.
Spread pasta sauce over partially baked crust. Top with chicken, ham, Swiss cheese and green onions.
Bake 10 to 15 minutes longer or until crust is golden brown and cheese is melted.