LCBO Food & Drink Autumn 2023

Taste of the’90s from page 72

MARGHERITA PIZZA BAGELS Omit pepperoni from above recipe. Sprinkle a few small basil leaves over each bagel before the second bake. Omit hot honey and fennel pollen garnish. MARINARA PIZZA BAGELS Omit pepperoni and cheese from above recipe. Thinly slice 5 garlic cloves and place in a small frying pan with 2 tbsp (30 mL) olive oil. Place pan over medium heat. Cook until garlic is softened but not brown, about 1 minute from

when it starts sizzling. Strain garlic, reserving oil to brush bagels before first bake. Later, divide garlic evenly over sauced bagels. Sprinkle lightly with dried oregano. Bake for 6 minutes. Omit hot honey and fennel pollen garnish.

MINI PEPPERONI PIZZA BAGELS WITH FENNEL POLLEN & HOT HONEY Bagel Bites were a popular frozen snack in the ’90s. Recently discontinued in Canada, these mini pizzas are easy to make at home, especially if you use good-quality jarred sauce such as Rao’s or Carbone. Our version is amped up with crispy pepperoni cups, fra grant fennel pollen and hot honey. We’ve also got variations for those who don’t eat pork and/or cheese. 1 tbsp (15 mL) canola oil 1 cup (250 mL) very thinly sliced pepperoni sticks 1 pkg (10 pieces) PC Original Mini bagels, halved crosswise (see TIP) Extra virgin olive oil for brushing 1 cup (250 mL) good-quality tomato sauce, divided 2 cups (500 mL) grated mozzarella, 2. Heat canola oil in a large nonstick frying pan over medium-high heat. When hot, add pepperoni. Cook, stirring constantly, until the slices curl up into cup shapes and render some fat, 45 to 60 seconds. Transfer with a slotted spoon to a plate lined with paper towel. 3. Place bagel halves, cut sides up, on a large parchment-lined baking tray. Brush lightly with olive oil. Bake on middle rack until just starting to brown at edges, 5 to 7 minutes. Remove from oven. 4. Smear each bagel with 2 tsp (10 mL) tomato sauce. Sprinkle each bagel with a rounded 1 tbsp (15 mL) mozzarella. Divide pepperoni evenly over bagels. Bake until cheese is melted and bubbly, 6 to 8 minutes. Remove from oven. Cool a few minutes then drizzle with hot honey, sprinkle with fennel pollen and serve. about 7 oz (200 g), divided Hot honey and fennel pollen to garnish 1. Preheat oven to 400°F (204°C).

WHAT TO SERVE Sogrape Mateus Rosé LCBO 166, $12.85

This iconic flask-shaped bottle of rosé has introduced generations to the wine world with its fresh, lightly sparkling versatile style. An ideal pairing for various pizza toppings.

Makes 20 pizza bagels

TIP If you can’t find mini bagels, this recipe has enough sauce, cheese and pepperoni for 5 regular bagels, which can be cut into halves or quarters for an appetizer.

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