BALSAMIC STEAK PIZZA

A delicious meal inspired by Ree Drummond, the balsamic vinegar is the real kicker in this pizza. Of course, the A-1 Steak sauce does it one better. “Yum!” So say my guys. And count me in too!

PIZZA DOUGH (or you can buy ready-made):

1 cup warm water (100-110 degrees)

1 tbsp active dry yeast

1 tsp sugar

1 cup water

1-1/2 tsp sea salt

2 tbsp olive oil

3 cups all-purpose flour

PIZZA:

1-1/2 lb flank steak

sea salt

ground black pepper

1 large red onion, quartered and sliced quite thin

1 tbsp olive oil, plus a bit more for drizzling

4 tbsp balsamic vinegar, divided

2 cups marinara sauce (I used store bought)

12 oz grated mozzarella cheese

1/2 cup shaved parmesan cheese

1/4 cup steak sauce (we always reach for A-1 brand)

1) In large bowl, gently stir yeast and sugar into warm water and let sit 5-10 minutes until yeast foams; stir in salt and olive oil; stir in flour, one cup at a time; with clean hands, knead dough 5 minutes (adding extra water or flour if necessary so dough isn’t dry or sticky); form into a ball; place dough in lightly oiled bowl, cover with plastic wrap and let rise in a warm place 45-60 minutes until dough doubles in size

2) Preheat outdoor grill (or you can use a grill pan on the stove top)

3) Place oven rack in bottom position and preheat oven to 475 degrees; lightly oil pizza pan/baking sheet

4) Roll out pizza dough into large circle and place on pizza pan or baking sheet; set aside

5) Season steak with salt and pepper and grill over medium-high heat 3-4 minutes each side (for light pink center) or until steak reaches desired doneness; remove from heat and set aside

6) Heat large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar (reserving 2 tbsp), and saute red onion slices approximately 10 minutes until softened; remove from heat and set aside

7) In medium bowl, combine marinara sauce and reserved 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar; spread sauce over pizza dough, almost to edges

8) Distribute onion slices over sauce, followed by mozzarella cheese

9) Place pan in oven on lower rack and bake 10-12 minutes until crust is golden and cheese is melted

10) Meanwhile, slice grilled steak very thin

11) Remove pizza from oven and distribute steak slices over top, followed by shaved parmesan cheese and drizzled steak sauce; return to oven for 3 minutes or until parmesan cheese melts; serve and enjoy big time!

Servings: 4-6 (depending, of course, on whether or not your chow-downers are guys)

NOTE: This is a “repeat” recipe featured on my original “Kitchen Novelist” blog 04/06/12