Dinner: Charlie's Wood-Grilled Tailgate Pizza

This recipe includes superfoods such as:

Honey

Health benefits of Charlie's Wood-Grilled Tailgate Pizza

Honey, often hailed as a superfood, possesses a wealth of nutritional benefits that make it a valuable addition to a balanced diet. With a glycemic index (GI) of 55 for one tablespoon, honey is considered a moderate GI food. This means it does not spike blood sugar levels as high or as quickly as high-GI foods, making it a better choice for maintaining steady energy levels and supporting overall health.

Rich in antioxidants, including phenolic acids and flavonoids, honey offers protective benefits against oxidative stress and inflammation. These antioxidants can help combat the damage caused by free radicals, which are linked to chronic conditions such as heart disease and cancer. Furthermore, the natural sugars in honey can provide a quick energy boost, making it an excellent option for a pre-workout snack or a natural sweetener in beverages and meals.

Honey's benefits extend beyond its nutritional profile. Its antimicrobial properties make it a natural remedy for wounds and burns, promoting healing by providing a moist environment and acting as a barrier to infection. Additionally, honey has been used for centuries to soothe sore throats and coughs, thanks to its ability to coat the throat and reduce irritation.

However, it's important to consume honey in moderation. While it is a healthier alternative to refined sugar, it is still a form of sugar and can contribute to weight gain and other health issues if consumed in large amounts. For individuals with diabetes or those monitoring their blood sugar levels, it's crucial to account for honey's GI and its effects on blood sugar.

Choosing raw, unprocessed honey can also maximize its health benefits. Raw honey is more likely to retain its antioxidants and other beneficial compounds that can be lost during processing. Incorporating honey into your diet can be as simple as adding it to yogurt, drizzling it over oatmeal, or blending it into smoothies. Its natural sweetness and health-promoting properties make honey a superfood worth including in a healthy, balanced diet.

Ingredients

3 cups all-purpose flour
3/4 cup semolina flour
Two 1/4 -ounce packages of active dry yeast
Salt
1 1/2 cups warm water
3 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon honey
1 pound shiitake mushrooms, stems discarded, caps sliced 1/2 inch thick
Freshly ground pepper
Two 6.5-ounce jars of oil-packed artichoke hearts, drained
1/2 pound thinly sliced prosciutto
1/2 pound thinly sliced Fontina
1/2 pound thinly sliced smoked mozzarella
1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan

Instructions

In a large bowl, combine the flours, yeast and 1 teaspoon of salt. In a small bowl, whisk together the water, 1 tablespoon of the oil and the honey, then stir the liquid into the dry ingredients. Scrape the dough out onto a lightly floured work surface and knead until smooth. Shape the dough into a ball and transfer to a lightly oiled bowl. Cover with plastic wrap and let rise until doubled in bulk, about 30 minutes.
Preheat the oven to 500 °. Punch down the dough and divide it in half. On a lightly floured surface, roll out 1 piece of dough to a 15-inch round, about 1/4 inch thick. Transfer to a large pizza pan or baking sheet. Repeat with the second piece of dough. Bake the dough for about 6 minutes, or until just dry and set.
Light a grill or leave the oven on. On a small baking sheet, toss the mushrooms with the remaining 2 tablespoons of oil and season with salt and pepper. Spread the mushrooms in an even layer. Set the baking sheet on the grill, cover with the lid and cook the mushrooms over a hot fire, or roast in the oven for about 3 minutes, or until softened.
Top the pizza crusts with the mushrooms, artichoke hearts, prosciutto, Fontina, mozzarella and Parmesan. Slide 1 pizza onto the grill and cook over a medium hot fire, or bake in the oven for about 5 minutes, rotating the pizza as necessary, until the cheese is melted and the bottom is browned and crisp. Using 2 large spatulas, return the pizza to the pizza pan, cut into wedges and serve at once while you cook the second pizza.

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