Pimping a Purchased Pizza

Yes, we all like the idea of producing every part of the pizza ourselves, but sometimes that is not the best way.

When we saw a prepared pizza at a huge discount at our local supermarket could not resist it.

Then we set about turning the simple basic pizza into our own custom layered pie.

My wife likes a slightly smaller portion than me, and so the pie is pre cut into segments with one part a little bigger ...for me. pre-cutting has many advantages such as allowing the cheese to flow around edges, crisper edges and of course when cooked the slices are ready to serve.

The idea is to create a layered pizza rather than the usual scattered style.

We start by cutting up strips of lean bacon. NO fat is included.

The strips are laid on top of the pre-made store pizza.

They are laid out neatly within each pre-cut section.

The prepared mushrooms are placed into a small electric chopper.

When the mushrooms have been reduced to lovely spreadable but chunky pieces, they can then be spread over the slices. Note that my wife does not like as much mushroom as me and so the amount is adjusted accordingly.

Slice some good sized tomatoes first into thin slices and then into half slices.

Lay them out neatly around the pizza.

See how this type of arrangement is very good for OCD pizza lovers.

Grate your preferred cheese.

For this pizza we chose to have four different cheeses mixed.

Use a spoon or your hands to spread the grated cheese over the top. This is the final layer.

We like to stay away from the edges but you may wish to spread that lovely cheese over every part of the pie.

We use a special pizza tray but any oven-proof plate will do.

Because it was all fresh we only set the oven for 12 minutes.

If you like your pizza more crispy then a little longer would be better for you.

Is that not a yummy site.

All ready to consume along with your favourite beverage.

Mmmm ...the layering the pizza toppings gives a strong visual appeal and tastes better as the flavours mingle in each mouthful.

Pimping a store bought base with your own topping really does produce a yummy pie.

Enjoy.