Valentine's Day Tradition: Heart Shaped Pizza

I would love to tell you about my fabulous plans for a glamorous Valentine's Day. Plans that include  being whisked away to Paris in Louboutins... 

But the truth is, our Valentine's Day tradition is very simple. We always stay home. And I always make a heart shaped pizza.  I wouldn't have it any other way. I love date night, but really we are happiest at home with our loves. 

Date night is important, and Friday night we did have one of those fabulous nights out. Mimi and Papa tucked the kids into bed while Yummy Hubby and I went to "wine camp" at the prestigious Burnim Wood golf club in Montecito. The hilarious and informative Mark Oldman was the teacher for the evening. Did you know there is sparkling red wine? I find the wine world a little intimidating, and I love how Mark makes it accessible to those of us who are not wine snobs.

 

The range of colors in glasses lining long tables was breathtakingly beautiful. Cheese, olives, Italian meats, and breads were served for snacking. 

The sunsets have been breathtaking the past few days too.

 

I wish you a Valentine's Day filled with love. 

Heart Shaped Pizza 

1 prepared pizza dough

favorite sauce 

fresh mozzarella cheese, drained and sliced

freshly grated Parmesan cheese 

favorite toppings 

Preheat oven and a pizza stone to 550 degrees for at least one hour. Have dough in a lightly greased bowl covered with a towel while oven is preheating.

Place pizza dough on a lightly floured piece of parchment paper. Stretch dough into a heart shape. Trim with a knife as needed. Spread sauce over dough and top with favorite cheese and toppings. We use a cookie cutter to punch a heart shape out of a red bell pepper. Transfer pizza and parchment (will help keep the heart shape) to the hot pizza stone. Cook 8-10 minutes or until crust is brown and cheese is bubbly.