2832. PUMPERNICKEL PIZZA with BRUSSEL SPROUTS and BACON

serves 4


1/2 recipe pumpernickel pizza dough (recipe below)
6 to 8 ounces thick-cut bacon, cut into 1-inch pieces
2 cups trimmed and thinly sliced Brussels sprouts, about 1/2 pound
8 ounces fresh mozzarella, thinly sliced

Pumpernickel Pizza Dough
makes 8 individual pizzas
1/2 cup warm water and 1 1/4 cup tap water
1 envelope (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons cocoa powder
2 teaspoons instant coffee
2 tablespoons molasses
4 cups bread flour
1 tablespoon caraway seeds
2 teaspoons salt
Cornmeal for baking sheets

Measure 1/2 warm cup water in a 2-cup measuring cup. Whisk yeast into water; let stand until it bubbles, about 5 minutes. Measure in remaining 1 1/4 cups water (for 1 3/4 cups total) and oil to yeast mixture; whisk in cocoa powder, coffee, and molasses. Meanwhile, pulse flour, caraway seeds and salt in a large food processor fitted with a steel blade. Pour liquid ingredients over flour mixture; pulse to form a rough soft ball. Continue to process until dough is smooth and satiny, about 30 seconds longer. Turn dough onto a floured work surface and knead a few seconds to form a smooth ball. Place in a vegetable cooking spray-coated bowl and cover with plastic wrap. Let rise to double in size, 2 to 3 hours.

Pizza: Prepare and stretch dough as directed above. Adjust oven rack to lowest position and heat oven to 500 degrees. Meanwhile, fry bacon in a large skillet over medium-high heat until partially rendered, 3 to 4 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon and place on a paper towel-lined plate. Pour off all but 1 tablespoon of the bacon renderings and return skillet to burner. Add Brussels sprouts to empty skillet; stir-fry until just wilted, about a minute. Turn off heat. Top each stretched pizza dough with a portion cheese, then Brussels sprouts, and finally bacon. Bake until crust is crisp and has darkened in color, about 12 minutes. Remove from oven; grate with Parmesan and serve.


bacon recipe courtesy of: Maggy Keet, Three Many Cooks, March 14, 2012