GRAND SLAM!

We did it, Wales won! Phew, what a game that was, nailbiting right to the very end.

As promised, I have invented a new dish in recognition of this momentus occasion.

The, 'GRAND SLAM!' is a pizza, but not just any pizza. This rugby ball shaped creation is indulgence itself. With a cheese stuffed, base and sides (made with cornmeal for extra texture and crunch), the GRAND SLAM! is filled to the very top with a triple crown of tasty fillings, see what I did there? A layer of home made chili, lightly seared crumbled Toulouse sausages, (well, we were playing France, and we taught them how Toulouse - to lose, get it?) and finally, for the Welsh influence, a layer of lightly fried leeks and ham chunks in a gorgeously creamy cheese sauce. All topped off with a 'Championship' cup of mozarella.

I may have invented this in honour of the six nations, but it is sooo delicious that I will not be waiting for another GRAND SLAM before I make it again.

INGREDIENTS

1.5 cups of plain flour
1.5 cups of cornmeal
2 tbsp melted butter
1 cup warm water
2 tbsp sugar
1 tsp salt
1 7oz sachet of fast action dried yeast

6 Toulouse style sausages
1 cup of pre made chili
5 cups mozarella cheese (or around 300 g)
2 cups home made cheese sauce (a seasoned roux with 1-2 cups warm milk, 2 tsp dijon, 1 cup strong cheddar and plenty of fresh grated nutmeg)
2 slices ham, cut into chunks
1 leek, thinly sliced
Knob of butter and drizzle olive oil to fry
Salt and pepper

METHOD

1) Put water, melted butter, sugar, salt, flour, cornmeal & yeast in bread machine and mix on dough setting.

OR, mix by hand in a bowl, adding liquid last, knead for 10 mins until smooth and elastic, then put on greased tray, cover with oiled clingfilm and leave in warm place until doubled in size.

2) Take about 1/6th of the dough and set aside while rolling the rest into a large oval. Sprinkle about 2 cups mozarella around edge and brush just inside this with water. Roll crust over cheese and seal on the brushed water.

3) Sprinkle another cup of mozarella over centre and cover this with the remaining dough (rolled thinly).

4) Spread base with chili, topped with a cup of mozarella. Cover with crumbled sausages, topped with the leek/ham and cheese sauce.

5) Cook in preheated oven (200 Degrees C) for around 15 mins, top with remaining mozarella and bake for a further 5 mins, until golden. If you have a pizza stone, use it, the base crisps up really well.

A meal fit for champions! Enjoy.

MR T. RATING - 9/10, (Ch)easy. We had a ball!