| When making a pizza, which sauce will probably be | | | | smoother than basil. And fresh or frozen pea pesto |
| the first decision you'll make. It's up to you whether it's | | | | with fresh herbs like parsley is also good. Combine pea |
| the overarching flavor, or a more well-balanced accent. | | | | pesto with a smoky meat like bacon or pancetta. |
| In Naples, which is where the best pizza comes from | | | | Because a little of these meats goes a long way, your |
| according to most food critics, a simple sauce is made | | | | pizza can still be pretty healthy. |
| from crushed San Marzano tomatoes, which are | | | | Other types of pesto include sun-dried tomato, walnut, |
| spread over the crust. You can buy canned ones at | | | | artichokes, and roasted red pepper. With the right |
| good grocery stores. Although they are expensive, the | | | | combination of pizza toppings, any of these will make |
| flavor is quite distinctive. If you buy whole tomatoes, | | | | a great pie. If you need inspiration, think pasta. If you |
| drain and chop them first. Otherwise your crust will get | | | | love linguini with roasted red peppers, sausage, and |
| soggy. | | | | olives, or penne with sun-dried tomatoes, chicken, |
| You can use your favorite marinara or ready-made | | | | artichokes, and asparagus, turn them into a pizza |
| pizza sauce from a can or jar to make a traditional | | | | instead. |
| pizza. The salty-sweet flavor of tomato is perfect with | | | | One of the most popular non-traditional pies, a |
| cured meats, artichokes, olives, and other bold flavors. | | | | barbecued chicken pizza combines grilled chicken, |
| Italian cheeses are a perfect match too. | | | | smoked gouda, red onions, barbecue sauce and |
| Not all pizzas start with sauce. In fact, some don't have | | | | cilantro. For something really special, make crispy, fried |
| sauce at all. A white pizza is often made by just | | | | onion rings one of your pizza toppings. Or get your |
| brushing the crust with olive oil before adding the pizza | | | | Mexican food fix by creating a taco or enchilada pizza |
| toppings. | | | | with cheddar, ground beef, onions, black olives, and |
| Although tomato sauce is the most popular in America, | | | | salsa or enchilada sauce. |
| it's certainly not the only choice. Pesto, a sauce made | | | | Gourmet pizzas borrow flavors from other cuisines, |
| with basil, olive oil, pine nuts, garlic, and parmesan | | | | from Asian to Indian. Try Thai peanut sauce, hoisin |
| cheese, is excellent with other vegetables, fresh | | | | sauce, or plum sauce with chicken, shrimp, or Asian |
| tomatoes, or chicken. Pesto is easy to make, | | | | vegetables. Or combine wasabi, ginger, and soy with |
| especially if you grow your own basil. And no | | | | fresh fish or shellfish. Tikka Masala makes a fantastic |
| store-bought pesto can match home made for | | | | base for chicken and onions. After it's baked, top with |
| freshness and quality. | | | | plain yogurt or raita. |
| If you don't have basil on hand, there are several | | | | Use your imagination and you'll never have to have the |
| alternatives you can make. Spinach and hazelnut is a | | | | same pizza twice. |
| wonderful combination -- less pungent and a little | | | | |