Pork belly pizza

Bacon is delicious!  Enough said.  Well not really — as a from scratch enthusiast and one who seeks real food ingredients without additives or preservatives I just really want to avoid processed meat.  There is a big huge difference between plant based and animal based nitrates.  This article on nitrates  sorted it all out for me.

At the same time, I LOVE bacon.  Nitrate free bacon in the good ole’ USA  is thankfully now  readily available.  But I’m not living there anymore.  So on our 1st day in this new place every bacon type product that I picked up stated clearly that it was preserved and flavored with nitrates and MSG and nasty stuff.   So I reached for a package of pork belly.  It appeared to be uncured and bacon-like. 

*Note* It was quite fatty and I probably didn’t get the tasty crackling as intended but none the less it was preservative free baconish meat on our pizza.

SO here is my pork belly pizza recipe.  Obviously you can add any ole’ toppings you prefer.  The idea here is PIZZA must continue to be eaten no matter where you live in the great big world.  My pizza dough recipe is just one of the few things that I never forget.  And it comes together quite quickly.  Especially in an incredibly warm and tropical climate – the rise is accomplished easily.

Please note that since that day it took less than an entire week for us to be introduced to the lovliest butchery who sells all locally raised, preservative free beef and pork and I nearly cried for joy when we walked in.  AND they had bacon. The yummy kind I know and love.  Wait till you hear about another local find which is music to my soul but that’s another post.  OK, well let me give you just a hint.  I met the friendliest South African lady who makes her own herbed feta from fresh milk (jersey cows !!)

And since we’re talking cheese – my preference is  to always use fresh parmesan cheese – not that kind in the green can that you just shake on out.  First of all the difference is in the real food flavor – but go ahead and check the ingredients list.  I heart cheese. As always – what I use for organic dried pizza herbs , REAL salt  and freshly ground pepper  – must have’s in every one of my savory recipes.

Finally, will I use pork belly again?  I’m intrigued to learn more and prepare better so stay tuned for future pork adventures.  And again here’s the recipe – complete with avocado garnish – yum!

What’s your favorite pizza recipe?  Pizza toppings? Leave a comment below !!

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Ever wondered about essential oils?  There are some great food recipes which include essential oils including this one for roasted marinara sauce  but the pizza herbs have more medicinal uses as well – check out basil, oregano ,  and thyme !   Enjoy !