The best pizza in the history of the world

1 package pre made pizza dough
1/4 cup olive oil
3 garlic cloves, chopped
3 sprigs thyme

1 cup gorgonzola

8 slices prosciutto
Some parmesan-it's a pizza, load up as much or little as you like.

Preheat oven to 450 degrees.

Roll out pizza dough as directions indicate on package. Or make your own if you have that kind of time.

Heat olive oil, garlic, and thyme in saucepan until warmed through but do not let garlic burn. When fragrant, turn off the burner and put lid on pan to let flavors infuse.

Roll out pizza dough, and using a pastry brush, spread olive oil "sauce" over dough, followed by the gorgonzola and parmesan. Top with prosciutto ribbons and drizzle any remaining olive oil over entire pie. Bake for 8-10 minutes.

No picture because we consumed it as if it were the last pizza on earth. Thus, imagine what the best pizza on earth looks like and there you have it.

Recipe adapted from Ina Garten's fabulous white pizza.

Project: nursing cover

Sewing project number two was a surprise gift for new mom Virginia. I found this set of directions and it was a great lesson in working with a knit, velcro, and boning.

I forgot to take pictures of the cover before giving it to her and asked if her husband could get her in some shots this weekend, and the kind souls they are obliged.

And she's such a good friend she even flipped it over so everyone could see the cute polka dot fabric underneath.

Sunday Confessions

We've lived in our house nearly two years and today I cleaned the oven. Lessons learned:

1. Follow directions and wear long gloves. Chemical burns are terrible.
2. I should do this more often. At least annually; maybe next Superbowl.

We hosted an awesome game night last night and I made 7 different apps and desserts and yet took absolutely no pictures of food or people. The food was great, the libations flowing, and the company the best.

Project: apron

I've done it-my first 99.9% sewing project completed by myself*.

I found the pattern here, and it was pretty simple for me to work with being a first-timer. I'd estimate the project took about 5-6 hours to complete.

I do believe the bride enjoyed the gift :)

*After two hours on my own, small buttonhole work was subcontracted to my mom.

Arrivederci

He was a solver of brain teasers.

A chauffeur after school.

A storybook reader.

A corrector of driving skills.

A lover of ice cream.

A veteran.

A landscape manicurist.

An origami money maker.

A man devoted to his faith.

A frequent caller to Anaheim's Code Enforcement. (True, several cards in the Rolodex.)

A man full of trivia.

A man with the cleanest bathroom this side of the Mississippi.

A husband, father, father-in-law, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend.

To me, my grandpa. Arrivederci Grandpa. A dopo. May you rest in peace.

The birthday

The birthday came, lingered, and went. A good one it was.

We had cupcakes and cake balls complete with song at work.

That night, Scott took me to a restaurant we've heard rave reviews about but had not tried-Il Garage at Park Ave. The Italian bistro portion of the restaurant-the garage- is in the garden where the chef sources his menu from- a menu that changes 25% each day. We'll definitely return.

The big trip for the bday consisted of a trip to the Huntington Library. An amazing place that one visit will never do justice.

The Blue boy...and Scott.

A path in the rose garden.

Mona Lisa Anemone.

She spoke to me. I don't recall the artist other than he was an American and amateur-which partly explains the oddness of the woman to me.

Magnolia trees.

Cactus garden...straight out of Dr. Seuss.

Massive fireplace in the Huntington's dining room accompanied by the original George W.

Thanks to Yelp, we had lunch at Roma Italian Grocery and Deli, which was delicious and a diamond in the rough of a strip mall. If you find yourself in Pasadena and craving a sandwich, by all means, go there. The little Italian man serving up The Sandwich-yes, there's only one-may offer you 10 year old cheese to sample. If he doesn't, by all means inquire-the people behind you won't mind you holding up the line. 1o year old provolone-ZOMG.

That night Rob and Kerri came up for dinner-Scott's famous steak, Brussels sprouts and aperitifs at the Twisted Vine. We wined, dined, and talked a little shop for the planning of my 10 year high school reunion. And Krob even me this awesome succulent planter.

Sunday night my parents, grandma, sister, her boyfriend and my in-laws celebrated at our local pizzeria. It was a birthday weekend well spent and I thank everyone who made it as special as it was, from the cards, texts, phone calls, emails and Facebook messages-cheers!

New Year's Eve 2011

Dinner and Drinks and darn good times with Blake and Priscilla.

Strolling down Harbor Blvd.


Running into favorite coworkers.


Cheers to 2011 and it's memories and welcoming 2012!