Playoffs and Award Shows

January means we are in full football playoff and award show mode.  I'm always looking for something fun, simple, and unique to serve during the second quarter or Christian Bale's acceptance speech.  Pizza Stuffed Mushrooms are a keeper. 

Two helpful preparation hints: first, bake mushrooms about 10 minutes on a rack placed over a cake pan, flipping them at five minutes, then remove any liquid from them before stuffing.  Use any size Portabellas (small, medium or large).  Second, combine the tomatoes and olives for ease of layering into the mushrooms.

Pizza Stuffed Mushroom
Serves 2-3

6 medium-sized Portabellas, stems and gills removed
1 - 1 ounce squared of Provolone, divided into 6 pieces
1/4 cup tomatoes (either stewed canned, or fresh chopped)
10 green or Kalamata olives, halved
Garlic, basil, oregano
6 tablespoons shredded mozzarella
4 tablespoons shredded Parmesan
4 tablespoons diced pepperoni

Salt and pepper mushrooms and bake on rack over pan at 350 degrees for about 10 minutes, flipping after 5 minutes.

Place mushrooms, top side down, on lightly greased sheet pan. Top each mushroom with bit of Provolone and bake 5 minutes or until cheese is melted.

Combine tomatoes, olives, garlic, basil, and oregano; top each mushroom with equal portions of sauce. Finish mushrooms with mozzarella, Parmesan, and pepperoni; bake an additional 15 minutes or until cheese is bubbly. Serve immediately.