Fresh Approach Cooking

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Is it true that people everywhere dream of sunny Southern California? Well, for my money, they should. It's the best.

One of the great draws is the notion that we can BBQ all year round (which isn't exactly true, there are seasons in these parts, but whatever) and indulge ourselves in ways most of the world finds a bit quirky. (At first!)

For instance, it was here that someone at hit restaurant California Pizza Kitchen first devised of BBQ chicken pizza. And at time, it was quite the sensation, I assure you.

I'm guessing it was the combination of toppings that made it so popular...it was different. Off kilter. Tangy and surprising. And heavens is it good. I would go so far as to say, we all became somewhat obsessed.

But that was eons ago my peaches, seriously eons...possibly the 80's! Now we all indulge in seemingly off-kilter toppings on our pizza pies and think nothing of it. Right? But then? Then it was beyond...just beyond.

We all had to have it.

And now that I have brought it up, you are just dying to recreate that first heady dream of BBQ chicken pizza, aren't you! Well my loves, you can! You CAN! (And without resorting to buying something frozen) All it takes is the simple act of purchasing this weeks local favorite - MADE IN L.A. Find - Gayle's BBQ Sauce. (Which is Gluten Free! Whoopee!) A pizza crust and a bit of chicken, and you are on your way!

Turns out this bottle of joy was not only devised right down the road in super-fab Beverly Hills, in 1984 but it was the secret weapon in the pizza revolution, (Or so their website tells me.) as the official BBQ sauce of CKP. And it comes in four distinct flavors. Fancy that. They are Original Sweet 'N' Sassy, Extra Sassy, Honey Mustard and Honey Sweet. Turns a girls head it does! Delicious options all.

The Extra Sassy (pictured) that I purchased at Whole Foods is gloriously over the top, it's a thick and rich, sweet and tangy revelation. And whether doused on chicken or topping corn, it transcends your outdoor dining into a moment of sheer perfection.

Find it, buy and and think up ways to ingratiate it into your world. Make pizza on the grill! Pour it over kebobs and ribs and burgers! And in the mean time...try this out for size...a new way to use an old favorite indeed...

4 medium red garnet sweet potatoes, peeled
1 teaspoon butter
Gayle's Extra Sassy BBQ Sauce
Salt
1 inch peeled ginger
oil for frying

Chop the sweet potatoes into uniform sized pieces. Fill a pot with cold water, add a healthy dose of salt, add the potatoes, bring to a boil and simmer until cooked through.

Meanwhile, using a very sharp knife, slice the ginger root into very thin threads. Heat a small amount of oil in a pan and add the ginger to fry until just golden. Remove and drain on paper towels, sprinkle with salt and hold until ready to use.

When the potatoes are done, drain, and add the butter. Mash well and add Gayle's BBQ Sauce to taste.

To serve, top with frizzled ginger.

Makes 6 - 8 servings.

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California Pizza Kitchen was founded in 1985 by Larry Flax and Rick Rosenfield. There are now over 200 full-service restaurants, 28 CPK ASAP locations and their pizza is available in the freezer cases of grocery stores. - CPK.com

Most of the 40,000 tonnes of barbecued charcoal used every year in the UK comes from unsustainable sources.

Arguably the world’s the largest barbecue event was held in Des Moines, Iowa in 2002 sponsored by both The KCBS (Kansas City Barbecue Society) and IBS (Iowa BarbecueSociety) in co-operation with the Iowa Pork Producers where over several thousand pounds of pork were barbecued and served.

3 out of 4 American households own a grill and they use it on average 5 times per month. - BBQ Online

Labels: Gluten Free, Grilling, Made In L.A., Side-Dish, Vegetarian