My InsubFest Souvenir: Barbecue Pineapple Pizza

     After 6 years, the annual trip my husband and I take to Baltimore for Insubordination Records' pop-punk music festival can most certainly be considered a tradition. Its something we look forward to all year. Three days full of nearly non-stop great music, various and sundry hijinx and the reunion of the most diverse and unassuming group of pop-punk fanatics and friends one could imagine...in my opinion, it's Paradise. The cherry on this metaphorical sundae? The show's venue, Ottobar, happens to be located just half a block away from Celiacs heaven...Sweet Sin Bakery!! In the past I have made a point to visit Sweet Sin to fill up on their phenomenal cupcakes. (Some readers will recognize the name as they do distribute frozen treats throughout the United States and Canada.) With flavors such as Cookies & Cream, Caramel Apple, Lemon Chiffon, the "Hostess", Classic Birthday Cake, and Chocolate Cheesecake you can't go wrong. I'd make the 300 mile trek for these tasties alone. This year, things got even more divine...Sweet Sin in Waverly now serves a full menu of gluten free breakfasts, lunches and PIZZAS! This is no run-of-the-mill menu, either. In the three days we spent in the Charm City I dined on delights like Mex-Indian Breakfast Burritos, Spiced Waffles, Vegan French Toast and California Chicken Pizza. MMMMM...PIZZA!! Really good pizza...better-than-I-remember-pizza-tasting pizza. Loaded with savory-sweet barbecue chicken, peppers, onion and pineapple. When I regard this cafe as heavenly, be assured I do not exaggerate. So when our vacation came to a close and we headed north on the interstate with heavy bellies and heavier hearts, I knew that I would be in the kitchen working to recreate this dish even before our bags were unpacked. To my delight, I had a respectable replication on our table less than 24 hours after we returned to Syracuse. And because something this wonderful MUST be shared, I offer my own version of Sweet Sin Barbecue Pineapple Pizza to you. And because pizza tastes best when you enjoy it to the pogo-jumpin', fist-pumpin' sounds of punk rock, I have included a few favorite songs to bring home the full InsubFest ambiance.

BARBECUE PINEAPPLE PIZZA

AHHH..SWEET SIN!!

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• olive oil for pan
• 3/4c Memphis style barbecue sauce, divided (bottled is fine, just be sure it is GF)
• 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
• 1 green pepper, thinly sliced
• 1c pineapple chunks, fresh or canned, well drained
• 1 package GF vegan mozzarella, slices or shredded
• seasoning salt, to taste (optional)
• 1 GF pizza crust of choice, unbaked*

     Preheat oven according to pizza crust specifications. Generally about 450 degrees.

     Begin by preparing chicken (or substitute; see note). Heat a small amount of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season cut chicken breast with a pinch of salt and fresh ground pepper. Place in skillet and cook, stirring occasionally, until it is opaque, about 5-8 minutes. Add about 1/2c barbecue sauce and stir to coat chicken. Add half of the onion slices and continue cooking for 3 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.

     Meanwhile, prepare pizza dough and roll or press onto an ungreased pizza pan. Spread remaining 1/4c barbecue sauce over crust. Layer one half of the total desired amount of cheese over sauce, usually about 5 slices or 1c shredded. Top with cooked chicken, pepper slices, remaining onion and pineapple chunks. Finish by adding the remaining cheese and seasoning salt, if desired.

     Bake according to pizza crust recipe directions. This should generally be16-20 minutes in a 450 degree oven. Pizza crust should be golden brown and the cheese should be melted and slightly browned. We all know what a well cooked pizza looks like, right?! Resist the urge to cut into your pie before it cools a bit, you'll save yourself the pain of a burnt mouth AND avoid the risk of losing all the tasty toppings.

     NOTE: For a vegan pizza,  lightly steam 8oz of cubed tempeh and substitute this for the chicken pieces, proceed with the recipe as written. Also be certain you are using a crust that is free of any animal derived ingredients!

     *I have had great success with Chebe brand GF Pizza Crust Mix. It is simple to prepare, easy to roll out and makes a perfectly crispy thin crust pie every time.

Makes one 14" pizza.

Gluten Free, Dairy Free, with Vegan option.

     Now that you have the recipe, check out a few of the bands that added to the fun at InsubFest over the past few years. I guarantee your pizza will taste ten times better if you add a little pop punk!

House Boat: houseboat.bandcamp.com

Mixtapes: http://mixtapesohio.bandcamp.com/

the Copyrights: http://www.myspace.com/thecopyrights/music

The Ergs!: https://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/The-Ergs/21797342661?sk=wall

The Potatomen: http://larrylivermore.com/

Zatopeks: http://www.myspace.com/zatopeks