Autumn Harvest Green Beans

A simple, delicious alternative to green bean casserole

1 lb fresh green beans, washed and chopped into 1-inch pieces
2 Tb maple syrup
1/2 C butter, melted
1 tsp salt
1/2 C chopped pecans
pepper to taste

Mix all ingredients in a large glass baking pan. Bake at 350 for 30 minutes.

California-Style Tuscan Pizza

Salsa di Carina

Good for pizza or pasta dishes, this tangy sauce is a pow in the mouth.

• 1 Tb olive oil
• 2 tsp minced garlic
• 28 oz tomato sauce
• 1 tsp basil
• 1 tsp thyme
• 2 tsp parsley
• 1 tsp oregano

Combine ingredients and heat over medium-low heat in a small saucepan.

California Pizza Crust
This crust is simple to make and doesn't require yeast.

• 2 1/2 C all-purpose flour
• 2 eggs, beaten
  
• 1 C warm water
• 1/4 C olive oil
• 1/2 tsp garlic salt
• 2 tsp parsley
• 3 Tb Parmesan cheese

Combine dry ingredients. Stir in eggs, water, and oil. Make sure you have plenty of flour on hand to knead your dough. Place the dough on a well-floured surface and flatten with a rolling pin. Press the dough into a non-stick pizza pan (you may wish to lightly grease it as well). Brush with olive oil and bake at 350 for 15 minutes.

Toppings
You can customize these as much as you like, but here are some delicious suggestions:

• Sautee thinly-sliced chicken breast in 1 Tb olive oil with 1 tsp of minced garlic. Add salt and pepper to taste.
  
• Marinated artichoke hearts
• 1 C sliced mushrooms
• 1 C chopped green onions
• 1/2 C sliced black olives
• 1 C grated fresh mozarella cheese (do not use pre-shredded cheese, it contains paraffin wax and will not melt as well on the pizza)
• 1/4 C grated parmesan cheese
  

Spread sauce over pizza crust. Next, the mozarella, chicken, mushrooms, artichoke hearts, olives, onions, and parmesan. Place in the oven at 350 for 15 minutes for the cheese to thoroughly melt and the topping to heat. Let cool for a few minutes and enjoy!