pizza is forever

to say that i love pizza would be a major understatement. pizza is everything. the aroma it gives off as the crust and sauce and cheese heat up in those 375 degrees (give or take... work with me here..), the way it tastes as you fold it like a sandwich (yes... this is how a pizza should be eaten) and shove a big piece into your watering mouth which may or may not have you mistaken for a hungry dog, and of course... last but definitely not least... how delicious it still tastes the next day - cold from the company of the fridge (and such a healthy breakfast, i might add! you have your bread, your veggies, and your dairy! :)) so how you could NOT love pizza???

traveling to these beautiful countries in europe has not only opened me up to my love for experiencing new places, people, and culture, but has also opened me up to experiencing food. i would be lying if i said i didn't get a little soft and squishy around the edges (haha this is me admitting i've gained a little weight if you didn't get that) but to be completely honest, i do not care one little tiny bit. yes, of course, my workout regimen which began as just watching funny movies and laughing my butt off (which is an excellent ab workout fyi), escalated to actually getting up an hour early to run, i don't regret one bite of food i ate while on this 9 month experience of mine. i've eaten foods you will never even have the privilege to smell, let alone put in your mouth. some of my fondest memories of places, have in fact been the foods i've eaten there. food is a big part of these people's culture, and to not experience the immaculate cuisine they so graciously put in front of you, would just be disrespectful to say the least.

one of the most delicious meals i've tasted was unmistakably the salami pizza i devoured when i was exploring the narrow and colorful streets of rome. it was a little dive right by the fontana di trevi. it was actually right next to the fontana di trevi. i have picture perfect memories of sitting on bar stools in that very italian little box of a place with my friend right next to me, staring at the people crowding around throwing coins in the fountain making their wishes as we shoved slices of pizza into our mouths. the taste was indescribable, but i do remember it clearly. and to this day i haven't tasted anything even close to the effect those 2 slices of heavenly goodness left on me. they changed my life.

so all you pizza lovers out there, i truly hope one day you have the chance to experience the pizza goodness i have experienced in my 21 years of being on this amazing planet. there's nothing like a good pie (pizza pie, that is).

but for those people who love pizza and are trying to keep it on the lean and healthy side of things, here's a recipe for some pizza bites that will knock your socks off!

zucchini pizza bites

don't let the word zucchini fool you! these bad boys are delicious

ingredients:

- 2 long and thick zucchinis (cut into 1/4 inch thick rounds)

- shredded cheese (any cheese you'd like will do)

- pizza sauce (if you want to be healthier you can just cut tomatoes into tiny pieces)

- any toppings you'd like!!! (i used salami and shredded chicken bits)

directons:
- preheat oven to 400 degrees farenheit
- line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and neatly place your zucchini rounds on it.
- place your rounds in the oven. 2 minutes on 1 side, and 2 minutes on the other
- take your zucchini out of the oven. put your pizza sauce and all your ingredients on your slices
- place in the oven for another 2-3 minutes or until the cheese has melted

(sorry for the poor photo quality - you can blame my iphone 4 and the bad lighting i had to work with... this photo doesn't do these babies justice.)

and voila!!! there you have it! super easy and SUPER delicious. this dish is very healthy, and has become a favorite at our house. i hope you enjoy!!

"no good things happen but pizza."
xoxo