Low-So Pizza Party

These days, most people have some sort of dietary requirement. Maybe it’s an allergy or an intolerance. A new food fad or a simple dislike. But the point is, when hosting a dinner party, you will most likely not be the only one with a special food request. And the list of ingredients you cannot use may runneth long.

But here’s the thing: You can’t ignore these needs (because you would never want anyone to ignore yours). And you also cannot break your back (or the bank), making separate dishes for Tina, Ivan, Susan, and Uncle Frank’s new girlfriend that he never told you was coming. FRANK! And this, my friends, is where the genius of Flexible Feasts come in. One dinner, divisible, under your food that consists of many separate parts, allowing every guests to make the perfect, personalized plate. And these feasts can act as your starter — Guacamole Bar! — or dessert — Ice Cream Sundae Bar! — or your main meal — Tacos, Burger Bowls, Lettuce Wraps, and of course, Pizza.

My new book, LOW-SO GOOD, has three flexible feasts for you to try. One of which is a Pizza Party with homemade flatbread-ish dough (as well as a super quick Chickpea Pizza Crust option for those who don’t do flour or wheat). And four veggie-filled, non-dairy spreads and plenty of topping ideas of the dairy, vegan, meat-eating, and low-so variety. Basically something for everyone. And nothing requiring too much work.

So before you say anything about effort or time, let’s make things even easier. And remember that many toppings that aren’t low-sodium can easily be bought purchased pre-prepared, like pestos, sausage, gluten-free crusts, vegan cheeses, and even flatbread crusts versus homemade pie dough. Better yet, do it potluck style and everyone brings a topping!

Now for the fun. Since we are already bending the rules of Italian tradition, and if you really want to impress guests, then boost flavor beyond expectations by using the unexpected. Top pies with in-season produce, like thinly sliced summer squash, figs, nectarines, and YES, thinly sliced lemons. Lemon on pizza (and chicken and fish and just roasted vegetables) is ah-mazing. From there, simply let (impressed) guests be the artists, the pizza their canvas. And enjoy an evening of entertainment, perfect meals, and full bellies for everyone.

If you’re ready for your own Flexible Pizza Party, here’s what you need:

• Chickpea Pizza Crust  (for those who are low-so and gluten-free)
• Flatbread, Ready-To-Use-Crust, or DIY Low-So Dough
• Non-Dairy Spreads like: Pea Chimichurri, Cauliflower “Ricotta,” or pesto
• Thinly sliced or shredded yellow squash and zucchini
• Low-sodium Greek Yogurt or ricotta (some brands have less that 40mg sodium per serving)
• Low-sodium swiss cheese
• Mozzarella, goat cheese, and Parm for non-low-so, non-vegan, guests
• Cured meats for those who can/want (or homemade low-so sausage!)
• Quickie Shredded Chicken or Pork from my NEW BOOK (for the low-so-ers)
• Sliced nectarines, peaches, and/or tomatoes
• Thinly-sliced lemons
• Thinly-sliced jalapenos
• HERBS!
• An oven