“We are of many colors, but all of one heart,” I overheard a parent say at a recent PTO meeting that I attended as part of my job as Communications Specialist for Edina Public Schools.
The group was talking about the importance of embracing diversity and creating educational opportunities for students to authentically bond with peers different from themselves. I nodded my head in agreement as the parents took turns discussing why it’s necessary to branch out and interact with people regardless of race, skin color, religion or gender.
Diversity opens the door to share perspectives through storytelling. And as a storyteller, I truly believe these perspectives have the power to forever change a life. Certainly, not every person we come in contact with is going to leave a lifelong impression on us, but it’s incredible how even one social exchange can alter a worldview, however slight the change may be.
So where does pizza tie in? Unfortunately, I don’t think this Strawberry, Basil + Balsamic Pizza is going to change someone’s life…unless you’ve never had goat cheese before, and then, in that case, this pizza could be rock-your-world life changing.
Here’s the connection (and you can call it a stretch), but I like to think of pizza as being a lot like humanity—by nature, it is extremely diverse. A pizza dough is a blank slate, and each finished dish has its own unique personality. Just like there is no, one superior race, in my book, there is no, one superior pizza. I love them all! This sweet and savory delight I’m sharing with you today is just one of my recent favorites.
Strawberry, Caramelized Onion + Balsamic Pizza
2 naan flatbreads
3/4 cup shredded mozzarella
1/2 cup crumbled goat cheese
3/4 cup (about 6 large) chopped strawberries, sliced into ¼-inch thick rounds
1 1/2 teaspoons fresh basil, torn into short little strips (or 2 teaspoons dried basil)
1/3 cup balsamic vinegar
1 tablespoon honey
- Preheat the oven to 350˚ F. Meanwhile, heat the olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium high heat. Add the onion slices and stir to coat the onions with the oil. Lower heat to medium and cook, stirring occasionally for 30 minutes until the onions are a rich, golden brown.
- Place the naan flatbreads on a oiled cookie sheet or pizza stone and top with the shredded mozzarella, crumbled goat cheese, strawberries and caramelized onions. Cook until the cheese is bubbling and golden, about 10-15 minutes.
- Meanwhile, make the balsamic reduction. In a small saucepan, combine the vinegar and honey. Gently simmer the mixture on medium-low heat until it is reduced in volume by half and set aside.
- Once the pizza is done baking, drizzle balsamic vinegar on top, sprinkle with basil and serve.
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