Jalapeño Spicy Sausage Pizza

Ingredients:

¾ pound (340 g) spicy sausage, cooked and sliced

2 tablespoons olive oil

4 jalapeño chiles, sliced

1 Thai red chili pepper, sliced

1 shallot, sliced

¼ cup yellow cornmeal

1 13.8-ounce can refrigerated classic pizza crust

1 8-ounce package cream cheese, at room temperature

2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 450 degrees F. Lightly coat a baking sheet or pizza pan with olive oil.

In a small bowl, combine olive oil, jalapeño, red chili pepper and shallot; set aside.

Working on a surface that has been sprinkled with cornmeal, roll out the pizza into a 12-inch-diameter round. Transfer to prepared baking sheet or pizza pan.

Spread cream cheese evenly over the top, leaving a 1-inch border. Top with sausage, jalapeño mixture and cheese.

Place into oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese has melted.

Serve immediately.

Nutrition Information:

Frequently Asked Questions:

How do I know when meat is cooked thoroughly?

Use a meat thermometer to ensure proper internal temperature.

For example, chicken should reach 165°F (74°C).

What’s the best way to store fresh herbs?

Store herbs like parsley and cilantro in a jar with water in the fridge; for basil, keep it on the counter in a glass of water.

How can I make my vegetables more flavorful?

Roast, grill, or sauté vegetables with olive oil, garlic, herbs, and a sprinkle of salt for added flavor.

What’s a good substitute for buttermilk in baking?

Mix 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice to substitute for buttermilk in most recipes.

How can I prevent pasta from sticking together?

Add a bit of olive oil to the boiling water and stir the pasta occasionally while cooking.

What’s the difference between baking soda and baking powder?

Baking soda needs an acid to activate it, while baking powder contains both an acid and a base, making it suitable for recipes without acidic ingredients.

How can I rescue overly salty food?

Add a starchy ingredient like rice, pasta, or potatoes to absorb excess salt, or balance with additional unsalted ingredients.

How do I properly season a cast-iron skillet?

Coat the skillet with a thin layer of vegetable oil, then bake it upside down in a 375°F (190°C) oven for an hour.

Can I substitute fresh herbs for dried herbs in a recipe?

Yes, but use a smaller amount of dried herbs (about 1/3 of the fresh quantity) as they are more concentrated.

What’s the key to a successful pizza crust?

Preheat your oven and pizza stone (if using) properly, and ensure your pizza dough is rolled out evenly for a crispy crust.