Most cultures have their version of the one pan meal . The Italians stir up creamy risotto , the Spanish steam fragrant paella , and the Americans serve a perfect pan pizza , to name a few . The defining factor is in its name : it requires only one pan . That might be a wok , paella pan , crock pot , tagine , sheet pan , cake pan , or a pizza pan .

Guess what ? You can replace all these pans with one well-seasoned cast iron pan . You can cook anything in these do-it-all pans . The cast-iron skillet is a workhorse . It ’ s virtually indestructible , conducts heat extremely efficiently , stays hot , and when seasoned properly can rival a nonstick pan . Foods that are especially good when made in a cast iron pan are : pizza , fried chicken , seared steaks , county fried potatoes , and cobblers .

Cast-Iron Skillet Pizza , Where Have You Been ?!

Cast iron skillet pizza is one of the best uses of this heavy pan , and one of the easiest ways to make a delicious deep dish , thin crust , or American style pizza . The crust comes out a perfect golden brown with a crispy and chewy texture . And what ’ s best , it ’ s ready in fewer than 30 minutes . Feel free to add any toppings of your choice , including the top 10 common U . S . toppings : Pepperoni , mushroom , onion , sausage , bacon , extra cheese , black olives , green peppers , pineapple and spinach .

Cast-Iron Pizza with Fennel and Sausage

Ingredients : 12 ounces store bought pizza dough , room temperature 5 tbsp . olive oil , divided

Cathy Katavich

Cathy received her culinary training at CIA , Culinary Institute of America , at both Greystone ( Napa ) and Hyde Park , NY . She managed Research and Development for Gilroy Foods and in the past ten years she was involved in their frozen vegetable business , heading up Business Development , Sales and Marketing .

72

GILROY • MORGAN HILL • SAN MARTIN SPRING 2021 gmhtoday . com