So there are only, what… five days left until Christmas? And you still haven’t finished (or started!) shopping, yet? Well, you’re not alone. Trust me.

Taking a cue from fellow Gazz bloggers Rich, John and Rudy, I’ve come up with a gift recommendation of my own. And it’s one that is special to my heart for two reasons. First off, it’s food-related. Secondly, it features a recipe from my wife, Stacey (aka the Lovely Miss S).

Each year, Southern Living magazine compiles the recipes featured in their publication into a glossy, hard-backed book. There’s no denying the quality of the magazine, or the recipes found within its pages. But for some of us, the recipes are the only reason we pick up the periodical in the first place. That’s what makes this book such a valuable resource, as well as a fine addition to any cook’s library.

But this edition is especially special because, as I may have mentioned, one of my wife’s recipes (Shrimp Pesto Pizza) made the cut. Her name, not to mention our fair city of Charleston, West Virginia, is printed plain-as-day in the 2007 volume. Seeing as how I have easy access to her wonderfully creative self, I thought I’d ask her a few questions about the recipe, Southern Living and the best pizza ever.

What inspired this recipe for Shrimp Pesto Pizza?

Well, you know how we like to play Iron Chef at home with whatever theme ingredient we happen to be craving? I was craving something Italian, so I pulled out the ingredients and went to work. The original recipe was made with chicken, and that’s just as good as the shrimp.

Do you have to grill the pizza?

Not at all, I made the original pizza in the oven, and it’s quite tasty (and easy) prepared that way. A Boboli, or fresh crust from a local pizzeria is also another time saver.

Why ‘Southern Living?’

My mom forwarded me the information regarding a recipe contest they were promoting, and she kept reminding me about it until I entered. (Thanks, Ma!)

Have you ever entered any other recipe contests? What were the results?

In fact, I have! I entered a cooking contest on QVC, and was one of the top 10 finalists. I didn’t get to go on the air and prepare my creation – a Thai Noodle dish with Coconut Almond Sauce and Julienned Vegetables – but I did get a very nice sauté pan out of it!

Other than the Shrimp Pesto Pie, what’s the best pizza you’ve ever had?

Hmmm… Andolini’s in Charleston, South Carolina, would be my pick. Even though it’s 8,000 degrees at the downtown locale in the summer, it’s the best I’ve ever had – extra thin, extra crispy and way delicious. It’s truly worth the 8-hour drive.

Thank you, Miss S. Happy Christmas, everyone.

This entry was posted on Thursday, December 20th, 2007 at 12:02 pm and is filed under Uncategorized. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.