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