Random header image... Refresh for more!

“birthday week” continues…

Ciabatta Pizza

Today is my gorgeous girlfriend, Jen’s, birthday. I cannot begin to express how much I love this amazing woman; she is my rock, my soul-mate sister, my “on-demand” comedian, and my friend.  She can make me laugh like nobody’s business! She is there through thick and thin and is a loving friend, mother, wife, sister, aunt, and daughter. Whenever I have something to share, complain about, need help, advice, or just want to chat, Jen is the first person I call.

The one really awful thing about Jennifer? She lives 1,400 miles from me (as the crow flies). Happy birthday, Jenny Jen, I forgive you for that one awful thing and love you unconditionally!

For the rest of the week, I will highlight and share recipes from Jen, who is coincidentally, a great cook, or recipes of mine that are favorites of hers. Today’s recipe is a fun and quite a rich appetizer pizza that is perfect for upcoming holiday parties.

My girl, Jen

My girl, Jen


Jenny’s Sweet Ciabatta Pizza

1 cup pecans, toasted
1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons honey
2 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves
8-ounce loaf ciabatta halved horizontally
6 ounces Havarti cheese, thinly sliced
3 ounces thin slices prosciutto, cut into strips
2 pears, quartered, cored, and thinly sliced
1/2 cup crumbled Gorgonzola
1 cup arugula leaves

Preheat the oven to 450 degrees.  Blend pecans, oil, honey, and thyme in a food processor until nuts are finely chopped.  Season with salt and pepper.

Place bread halves on a baking sheet.  Spread each half with the nut mixture.  Top with Havarti and bake until bubbly and golden, about 12 minutes.

Remove from oven and top with prosciutto, pears, and Gorgonzola.  Tuck arugula around the pears, slice and serve warm or at room temperature.

Serves 8


Print pagePDF pageEmail page

5 comments

1 jennifer markett { 12.03.09 at 9:55 AM }

aaaaaaaah, that did actually make me cry – and you know my birthday wish that I was telling you about this morning? I would definately tell you that you are the most amazing woman I have ever met – you are everything I love rolled up into one perfect beautiful person. Thank God for you!! I love you so much!

2 Linda Hopkins { 12.03.09 at 9:58 AM }

Jenny 🙂

3 Sean Steffanni { 12.03.09 at 3:31 PM }

Linda, I am a good friend of Jen’s from way back and I must say I think you channeled my thoughts when you wrote this. Love Jen!!! I may actually be inspired enough to cook something good for a change. I’m copying this recipe (and her pic) right now! Happy Birthday Jen!!!! 😀

4 Linda Hopkins { 12.03.09 at 3:39 PM }

Hi Sean, thanks for checking on the site… any friend of Jen’s must be a wonderful person too! 🙂

5 jennifer markett { 12.04.09 at 12:23 PM }

I am feeling so much love – I so happy!!

Leave a Comment