Sicilian  deep  dish Pan  Pizza

This recipe derives from a pizza my husband and I used to get frequently at California Pizza Kitchen. My version is served up deep dish style minus the sausage. And the cheesy buttery edges are well...to die for...

Makes 1 Deep Dish Style Pizza

See here for My Pizza Dough Recipe. Look for the note regarding the deep dish style pizza.*
1/2 cup of mozzarella cheese (grated)
3-4 basil leaves (sliced thinly)
3-4 slices of hot cappicola ham (found at or near the deli counter)
1 tablespoon of parmesan cheese
1-2 tablespoons of pizza or spaghetti sauce

Grate the mozzarella cheese and slice the hot cappicola ham into thin strips. Cappicola is very delicious and comes hot or sweet. If you can't find it near or at the deli counter, prosciutto or any deli ham of your choice can be used.

Stack the basil leaves and slice them into thin ribbons.

Preheat your oven to 425 degrees and grab your skillet. Butter the bottom and sprinkle a few shakes of black pepper in it. Place your pizza dough into the pan and press down and out until it reaches the far edges of the pan. (If you are using my pizza dough recipe please see the note about making a deep dish style pizza).

Spread a little sauce over the dough and add the mozzarella.

Now you can add the hot cappicola, parmesan cheese and half of your basil ribbons (the rest will be used to sprinkle on top of the pizza after it comes out of the oven).

Place the pizza into a 425 degree oven for about 15-17 minutes or until the cheese has begun to brown. Once you have taken the pizza out of the oven sprinkle the rest of your fresh basil leaves on top. The dough should be deep and soft with crunchy buttery edges.

Bon appetit!