East Meets West for Happy Hour (Korean Style Flatbread Pizza)

Right around this time, I catch myself wondering how quickly the year has flown by.  Summer was a blip on the screen and now Labor Day Weekend is here.  As a kid, Labor Day signaled the end of summer and BACK TO SCHOOL.  Since the weather is still warm enough, an outdoor happy hour and bbq is the perfect way to officially say goodbye to summer and usher in the fall.

Which means HAPPY HOUR FINGER FOOD, YUMMY, YUMMY, YUMMY.  What do you know, I found a winner in my latest favorite cookbook, Everyday Korean.  Pizza with an Asian riff, Korean Style Flatbread Pizza.

I test drove these bad boys on my postcard posse last week and got the thumbs up.  The base of our fusion pizza is Naan bread, which you can purchase at just about any self-respecting grocery store or at Costco.  I keep a stash in my freezer to warm in my toaster oven as needed.  The sauce for the pizza is made with Gochujang and sour cream.  The sour cream mellows the spicy pepper paste but you still get a nice kick.  Top the pizzas with shredded mozzarella and ANY TOPPING YOUR LITTLE HEART DESIRES.  I covered a couple with the classic fresh tomatoes and basil and a sprinkle of Parmigiano.  The next set had bits of leftover Korean bbq beef, green onions, and sesame seeds which proved to be a delicious combo.  I scattered spicy pickled cucumbers and leeks, a traditional banchan (Korean side dish), on the remaining Naan.  I can’t decide which was my favorite, I liked them all.

My next batch might have pineapple and prosciutto or teriyaki chicken and red onions.  Use your imagination or try your favorite pizza toppings.  Having friends over? Let them create their own. Enjoy!