appetizer essentials: awesome pizza bites

How To Make appetizer essentials: awesome pizza bites

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  1

  PREP/PREPARE
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  2

  The spice mix will make more than you need for this one recipe. If you do not wish to make this much (it is a pretty good, all-round, Italian spice mix), just add pinch or two of each one of the herbs into the flour and combine. Or, if you have a good store-bought Italian spice mix, use it.
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  I am using, what are called, sandwich-style pepperonis, and measure 3-inches (7.6cm) in diameter; which is twice as big as a normal pepperoni. That size is perfect for this recipe.
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  For this recipe, you will need a mini muffin tin. Mine is a Wilton mini-muffin pan that can bake 24 at a time.
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  Gather your ingredients (mise en place).
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  Place a rack in the bottom position, and preheat the oven to 375 (190c).
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  Cut in to the large pepperonis on the left, right, top, and bottom. You want to go in about 1/2-inch (1/2cm).
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  Add them to the muffin pan. The cuts fold over each other, and form the walls for the pizza bites.
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  Chef’s Note: If the pepperoni slices are real thin, you might want to use two per cup… that is what I did.
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  Mix the dry batter ingredients (flour, baking powder, spice mix, salt, parmesan cheese), in a large bowl.
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  Whisk the milk and egg together in another bowl. I just use a measuring cup.
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  Add the wet ingredients to the dry.
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  Mix together with a fork, or wooden spoon until combined.
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  Add about 1 1/2 teaspoons of the batter to each of the pepperoni cups.
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  Sprinkle a bit of mozzarella on the tops.
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  Place in the oven, and bake until the cheese is bubbly, and beginning to turn brown in spots, about 12 – 14 minutes.
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  PLATE/PRESENT
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  Serve while nice and warm, with a bit of marinara sauce on the side for dipping. Enjoy.
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  Keep the faith, and keep cooking.
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