Illinois: Pizza Pie and Sundaes, Oh My!

Our travels continue through the states and bring us to the state of Illinois.  It is a state recognized for high profile sports teams like the Bulls, White Sox, Cubs, Bears, and Blackhawks.  It has lots of claims to fame regarding food - the largest bottle of "catsup", home to the world's largest bakery (Nabisco), and it is the birthplace of Twinkies! 

What I failed to mention was that Ice Cream Sundaes also originated in Illinois.  It is also home to the famous Chicago Deep Dish Pizza.  Baseball, Basketball, and Pizza, oh my!  It would be difficult to pass up an opportunity to do a blog entry about pizza - it seems to be a staple at our house!

Chicago Deep Dish Pizza:

Pizza Ball - we used one premade from the Harris Teeter Deli
Pizza Sauce - use enough to taste (you could also use tomatoes but we used what we like)
Pepperoni
Ham - diced
Bacon - crumbled
Onions - chopped and pre-cooked
Basil - chopped
Mozzarella
 Cheese - shredded
Provolone Cheese - sliced
Feta Cheese

First, grease a deep dish pan or cast iron skillet.  Add the dough to cover the bottom and bring it up the sides.

Add a few slices of provolone cheese to cover the bottom of the dough.  This will create a barrier to allow the crust to get crisp and the toppings from draining.

Next, add the pepperoni,

Onions,

Ham,

Bacon,

Feta cheese,

Sauce.

Add mozzarella cheese and basil.

Place in a 350 degree oven for 45 minutes,

When the cheese bubbles and the top is golden brown it is finished. 

Take it out of the pan and let it rest for 5-10 minutes.

Slice and serve with a fork and knife.  Happy Cooking!

Disclosure:  I was under the weather last night and Chad took it upon himself to keep the blog going.  He created this masterpiece and remembered to take pictures with every step....SO THANKFUL!!!!