Friday Night Tradition

For so many around this country Friday nights mean many things. The start to the weekend. Family time. Movie night. Date night. And one that seems to becoming more and more popular...Pizza Night! Maybe it's because by Friday night moms (and dads too) around America have cooked enough meals through the week to feed an army and are ready for a break. Maybe it's simply because it's a fun simple meal that is perfect for any of the occasions mentioned above. Whatever the reason, there is no doubt pizza delivery cars are out in droves in every neighborhood every single Friday night.

And like so many of you, we have included this tradition in our house too. But for us, it's not always delivered to our front door. In fact, most of the time it isn't. I have found different ways of incorporating pizza into our Friday meals that are still simple and fun, but made in my very own kitchen. From my Pizza Casserole to my Mini Pizzas we still feel like we're partaking in a fun trend, but not always ordering out.

This is yet another recipe to put on that list. I love margherita pizza but truly never realized just how easy it could be to make myself. I enjoy the fact it has familiar pizza flavors but without a heavy sauce, it's a little lighter and fresher to me. With simple ingredients, but intense flavor, this is sure to be a pizza that the whole family will love, even if it's served on a Tuesday instead of a Friday!

Garlic Butter Crusted Margherita Pizza Adapted from Pillsbury

1 can refrigerated pizza crust

1 10 oz. container grape tomatoes, halved

1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped

8 oz. mozzarella cheese

2 TBS olive oil

2 TBS butter, softened

1 TBS and 1/2 tsp minced garlic

Salt and Pepper to taste

Preheat oven to 400. Grease a large baking sheet. In a large skillet, heat olive oil on medium high heat. Add tomatoes, 1/2 tsp garlic, salt and pepper. Reduce heat to medium and cook 5 minutes. Using a potato masher, lightly crush tomatoes, and continue cooking for 10 minutes until slightly thickened. Set aside to cool slightly. In a small bowl combine butter and 1 TBS garlic. Mix until smooth. Place pizza crust on prepared pan and press into 15x10 rectangle using fingers. Spread garlic butter mixture over evenly. Bake for 7 minutes. Remove and spread tomato mixture on partial baked crust. Sprinkle with cheese and bake for 7-10 minutes until cheese is melted and crust is golden brown. Remove and sprinkle with fresh basil before serving.

Shared on Lady Behind The Curtain Feb. 27, 2013
Shared on Miz Helen's Country Cottage Feb. 28, 2013
Shared on The Country Cook Mar. 1, 2013