Italian Inspired California Plum Flatbread Recipes

CALIFORNIA FLATBREAD

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 475 degrees F. Cook the bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until crisp, about 10 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. Add the tomatoes to the drippings in the pan and cook, turning once, until slightly softened, about 2 minutes.
• Brush a large rimmed baking sheet with olive oil. Stretch the pizza dough to fit the pan (if the dough shrinks back, let it rest a few minutes before continuing). Prick the dough all over with a fork. Top with the tomatoes, reserving the bacon drippings. Bake until the crust is golden brown, 12 to 15 minutes.
• Remove the flatbread from the oven; top with the goat cheese. Season with salt and pepper. Toss the sprouts and arugula with 1/2 tablespoon of the reserved bacon drippings (rewarm, if necessary), the lemon juice, and salt and pepper. Top the flatbread with the greens and bacon.

ITALIAN FLATBREAD (PIADINA) WITH FONTINA AND PROSCIUTTO

Steps:

• Combine the flour, baking soda, and 1 teaspoon of salt in the bowl of an upright mixer fitted with a dough hook attachment. Add the butter and mix on low speed until incorporated, about 2 minutes. With the machine running, slowly add 10 to 12 tablespoons water until the mixture forms a dough around the hook. Transfer the dough to a lightly floured work surface and knead for 5 minutes until smooth. Cut the dough into 4 equal pieces. Form into disk shapes and wrap in plastic wrap. Refrigerate for 30 minutes.
• Place a grill pan over medium-high heat or preheat a gas or charcoal grill. On a lightly floured work surface, roll out each piece of dough into an 8 to 10-inch circle, about 1/8-inch thick. Brush each circle with the extra-virgin olive oil and grill for 4 minutes each side. Remove the piadina from the grill to cool slightly. Combine the ricotta cheese and lemon zest in a small bowl. Season with salt and pepper. Spread each piadina with 1/2 cup of the ricotta mixture. Sprinkle the fontina cheese evenly over the ricotta cheese. Arrange 2 prosciutto slices on top of the cheeses. Cut each piadina into 8 wedges and transfer to a serving platter. Garnish with the chopped basil.

ITALIAN-INSPIRED CALIFORNIA PLUM FLATBREAD

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 425 degrees F. Divide dough into 3 pieces; roll each into a very flat oval on a lightly floured board (about 7x11-inches). Place dough on baking sheets and brush with 1 tablespoon oil. Bake for 10 minutes. (May be prepared ahead to this point.) Just before serving, top each flat bread with 2/3 cup cheese. Bake at 425 degrees F for 5 minutes. To prepare plum salad, toss remaining oil with remaining ingredients. Place equal amounts on each warm cheese flat bread and cut into 3-inch slices to serve.

ITALIAN FLATBREADS

Steps:

• In a small bowl, dissolve yeast in warm water. In a large bowl, combine 1/4 cup oil, sugar, salt, yeast mixture and 2 cups flour; beat on medium speed until smooth. Stir in enough remaining flour to form a soft dough., Turn dough onto a floured surface; knead until smooth and elastic, about 5 minutes. Place in a greased bowl, turning once to grease the top. Cover with plastic wrap and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 40 minutes., Punch dough down. Turn onto a lightly floured surface; divide in half. Pat each piece flat. Let rest 5 minutes. Roll out each portion into an 11-in. circle; place on greased baking sheets. Cover with kitchen towels; let rise in a warm place until almost doubled, about 40 minutes., Preheat oven to 425°. Using the end of a wooden spoon handle, make several 1/4-in. indentations. Brush with remaining oil. In a small bowl, combine cheese, garlic salt and rosemary; sprinkle over dough. Bake 12-15 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from pans to wire racks to cool. Cut into wedges.

ITALIAN-INSPIRED CALIFORNIA PLUM FLATBREAD

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 425 degrees F. Divide dough into 3 pieces; roll each into a very flat oval on a lightly floured board (about 7x11-inches). Place dough on baking sheets and brush with 1 tablespoon oil. Bake for 10 minutes. (May be prepared ahead to this point.) Just before serving, top each flat bread with 2/3 cup cheese. Bake at 425 degrees F for 5 minutes. To prepare plum salad, toss remaining oil with remaining ingredients. Place equal amounts on each warm cheese flat bread and cut into 3-inch slices to serve.