There is a funky local restaurant in a Minneapolis neighborhood that is known for its “real food,” organic approach.  The restaurant sometimes offers a great dinner deal—their simple, rustic pizzas and a bottle of wine.  While we usually meet up with friends there, we all decided to save our pennies with a pizza and wine potluck.  Here’s the idea: bring a bottle of wine (preferably one already at home) and an interesting pizza to share.  Debating whether or not to make a salad, I split the difference and made Antipasto Pizza.  I started with a refrigerated crust and par-baked it at 400 degrees for 5 minutes.  Then, I gr...

Tags: antipasto, pizza, potluck, save money

I saw a financial expert on a television show this week who challenged viewers who have debt to avoid dining out at restaurants for a whole month.  Though it may be difficult to believe, American consumers spend over $400 billion dollars a year at restaurants.  For many families, going out to dinner might be a regular activity for relaxing and enjoying time together. I know when I was young, my family loved to go out for dinner.  It always seemed like a special treat. If you have developed a taste for your favorite foods, it might be difficult to stop dining out.  But, eating at home does not mean that you have to forego your restaurant favorites.  There ar...

Tags: bread sticks, pizza, restaurant

Lots of grilling took place this weekend. Luckily for all involved, none of which was done by me. My sister invited me over to have dinner with her family on Wednesday night. They were making pizza on the grill. She used store-bought naan for the crust. And set out...

Tags: grilling, pizza

I generally don’t put much effort into making myself dinner during the week. After all, it’s just me (a sad commentary on my self-esteem, I know). At least two nights a week I whip together a meal using the following method: I spread pizza sauce (I love the squeeze-bottle kind) on a flour tortilla. Then I top the tortilla with shredded mozzarella cheese and pepperoni slices or green olives, depending on my mood. I bake the pizza right on the oven rack about 7 minutes, or until the cheese melts. Viola!—A personal pizza, no delivery guy needed. Another bonus? I only dirty a cutting board, pizza cutter a...

Tags: supper, dinner, pizza