BBQ Chicken Pizza: busy mom style

Today I traveled to LA on business but two days ago I promised the kids they'd have BBQ chicken pizza for dinner that upcoming Wednesday. Of course I hate to break my promises soooo...

I set my alarm for 4:30am, snoozed twice  and then finally got up at 5am after a nudge from daddy. Next came a shower and a few last minute things thrown into the suitcase and I was ready to head downstairs to make lunch and then the pizza (this pizza feels like it needs a theme song now). 

The pizza is a easy make no-brainer and a take on what I used to order at California Pizza Kitchen back in the day. It's an instant crowd pleaser and my kids called me in LA to say how much they loved it. 

So with that I'm sharing my semi-homemade recipe with you so you can add it to your own repertoire. Hope you enjoy:

INGREDIENTS:

-Whole wheat pizza crust or flatbread (pictured from Target)

-Grilled chicken strips (I buy the bag of Tyson ones from Target-they are kept frozen).

-BBQ sauce (I use Sweet Baby Rays)

-Shredded Monterey Jack and Cheddar Cheese (Smoked Gouda works well)

-Red onion thinly sliced & green onions fine chopped

-Cilantro (optional)

-Arugula (optional)

-Baking sheet

DIRECTIONS

Place pizza crust on baking sheet and sprinkle cheese liberally to your liking. 

Take a good handful of the frozen chicken strips and put into bowl. Microwave on high for 1.5 minutes to defrost, let cool. Take a knife and cut the strips into 2 inch pieces. Pour BBQ sauce on chicken and toss evenly. Top pizza with coated chicken.

Next sprinkle with red and green onion then drizzle BBQ sauce across the top and bake until cheese is melted and flatbread is crispy but not hard.

Top with a little cilantro (omit if your family doesn't like) and a little Arugula for a few extra veggies or serve with a salad. 

Yum!!

La Traviata

About two weeks ago my friend Vicky lured me to the Opera with her to see La Traviata. I have to admit I was very interested in going when she originally asked me. I mean the Opera?! I had never been before and even better it was basically in my backyard at Brooklyn Academy of Music so I didn't have to go far. You couldn't beat that with a stick.

This is what BAM's website had to say:

New York City Opera comes to BAM with Verdi’s masterpiece La traviata in a new production by acclaimed director Jonathan Miller (St. Matthew Passion, BAM 2009 Spring Season; Il matrimonio segreto, BAM 2008 Spring Season). Miller’s take on this tragic tale of love and life—both lost and found—focuses on the psychological drama between the characters, powerfully conveyed with stark realism by an outstanding cast.

Brooklyn native Laquita Mitchell, hailed by The New York Times for her “powerful” voice, stars as opera’s most fascinating heroine opposite Canadian tenor David Pomeroy in his City Opera debut.

Laquita Mitchell? Wait a minute, could it be that the lead character was black? Well, I definitely had to see this.

However, when the date finally came I was so swamped at work and had been working such long days that  I secretly wanted to cancel. Not because I didn't want to go but this chicbusymom was just plain pooped.

I didn't cancel however but instead gussied myself up and hurried myself to the BAM Howard Gillman Opera House. When the curtain went up and I saw Laquita (definitely black) I was ecstatic for some reason. Her voice is like crystal cut glass and the entire show was just lovely (with subtitles-yay!). Needless, to say I was very happy that I went.

Afterward, we stopped for a bite at Grocery in Cobble Hill (on recommendation from my girl Losing in the City blog) and I had what you see below, Baked Lobster Pasta. IN YOUR LIFE you have never had anything this good. Its a small restaurant, just a few tables and amazing service. The lights were too bright but I can forgive that for the food alone.My friend Vicki (lime green nails) had a flank steak dish with the most delicious sweet potato strudel -to die for!!!

After that I was definitely ready to pass out but I have to say that Vicky is a great date. Love ya to pieces doll and thanks for pushing me to culture myself.

-smooches,
chicbusymom