Today (August 26) is Women’s Equality Day. As a mother, wife, and entrepreneur, I like to think that I’ve experienced both the “conventional” and “unconventional” for a woman, though no one could know better that very little about parenting or marriage ever feels routine. In my walk of life, I’ve often found myself bordering that line of conventionality — on one hand a female entrepreneur, on the other hand having a passion that aligns with rather conventional, stereotypically “feminine” interests.

I find a power, however, in removing the expectations and obligations we are raised to associate with cooking and seeing it instead for the artistic, scientific craft that it can be when done with passion and care. For me, cooking is adventure, discovery, and contentment. However, while I have been lucky in finding ways to align my passion with what has often been expected of me, I have still struggled throughout my life to find the time to cook for my own enjoyment and knowledge rather than to put dinner on the table, which are two very different kinds of cooking. And I know most other women, especially wives and mothers, find the task just as daunting, if not more so.

It is hard to believe that in a world of female doctors, leading scientists, and Olympic medalists that most of us are still expected to take on the responsibility of child-rearing and housekeeping, regardless of our professional success. It takes exceptional strength, patience, and empathy to be a woman in our society, whether you work as a parent, an employee, a boss, or all of the above. It is for women that I made The Gracious Gourmet. At its core, I started this company because I understand we still must deal with the job — and it is a full-time job — of feeding our families every day. My hope is that my recipes and products will help you to make successful, decadent meals for your family.

The recipe I’m providing today is a simple four-cheese pizza, made special with the addition of our Balsamic Caramelized Onion Spread. Pizza (via chain restaurant) tends to be the go-to family dinner on a rushed night and frankly, I’m sure many can agree that it’s a guilty pleasure for adults just as much as children. With this recipe, I find my craving for carbs and cheese is satisfied without compromising the desire for rich flavors and fresh ingredients. You can even turn it into a family activity with a home-made pizza crust and give your family a taste of meal prep (they might even find it fun enough to make it for themselves!)
Whether you also love cooking but have trouble fitting something gourmet into a limited schedule, or you’re someone for whom cooking is another time-consuming, I hope this recipe can become a staple for pizza night in your home and make your job one meal more manageable.

Four Cheese Balsamic Onion Pizza

ingredients:

• 1 purchased, baked pizza crust (11-inch) (14 ounces)
• 1 cup shredded Fontina cheese
• 1⁄4 cup crumbled blue cheese

directions:

1. 1⁄4 cup THE GRACIOUS GOURMET BALSAMIC CARAMELIZED SPREAD
2. 1⁄4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
3. 2 tablespoons grated Romano cheese chopped fresh chives
4. Place pizza crust on baking sheet.
5. Sprinkle Fontina cheese evenly on top of crust; top with blue cheese.
6. Top with dollops of THE GRACIOUS GOURMET BALSAMIC CARAMELIZED ONION SPREAD. Sprinkle with Parmesan and Romano cheese.
7. Bake at 450°F., for 10 to 12 minutes.
8. Sprinkle with chives.
9. Let stand 2 minutes; slice and serve.

Makes 8 – 10 appetizers or 2 – 3 main dish servings.