A Friendship Forged Over Stinky Cheese: The Jessica Story

My journey with Jessica began in the picturesque landscapes of Oregon, during a memorable Harry & David event. From the moment we met, I was captivated by her vibrant personality. She was spunky, undeniably gorgeous, and possessed a rare adventurous spirit—the only one brave enough to dive headfirst into a bleu cheese chocolate truffle alongside me. What can I say? Our bond was sealed over the wonderfully pungent aroma of stinky cheese.

The true test of our burgeoning friendship, however, came on the flight home. Jessica was seated about five rows ahead of me, on the opposite side of the aisle. As I did my usual people-watching ritual during boarding, my gaze landed on a particularly disheveled passenger. This individual looked as though they hadn’t encountered a shower in at least a month or two, meandering down the aisle, eyes scanning the seat numbers. Then, with a definitive “PLUNK!” he collapsed into the seat directly beside Jessica. It was a completely full flight, offering no escape.

Throughout what felt like an interminably long flight, I watched the drama unfold. Jessica’s row-mate fell into a deep slumber, his upper body gradually flopping into the aisle. A flight attendant, navigating the tight space with her cart, gently but firmly nudged him back upright to pass. Yet, this man remained utterly oblivious, staying out cold even when repositioned. He teetered for a moment, then “PLOP!” his head came to rest squarely on Jessica’s shoulder. Oh, the agony! My heart went out to Jess in that instant.

There was simply no waking that man until the plane finally touched down. Had that been me, I honestly might have panicked. I’d have been frantically pressing the flight attendant’s call button until someone—anyone—came to remove that odorous stranger from my personal space. But Jessica? She remained steadfast, a picture of stoicism and strength, not a hint of freak-out in her demeanor. That moment solidified my admiration for her. Such remarkable forbearance, patience, and sheer kindness are precisely the qualities that will make her an absolutely wonderful mother. This anecdote isn’t just a funny story; it’s a testament to the incredible person Jessica is, someone who navigates unexpected challenges with grace and composure.

Introducing the “Trashed Up” Barbecue Turkey Pizza: A Celebration of Leftovers and Friendship

In honor of Jessica’s “knocked-up state,” as she so charmingly puts it, and the exciting anticipation of her impending birth, I’m delighted to present a recipe that perfectly aligns with her adventurous culinary spirit: the Trashed Up Barbecue Turkey Pizza. This isn’t just any pizza; it’s a vibrant, flavor-packed creation designed to pile on all the glorious goodies! It’s an absolutely fantastic and ingenious way to utilize leftover turkey, completely transforming it from the usual, often monotonous, casserole routine. Just as I eagerly await the delights of Thanksgiving leftovers, I can hardly wait to see Jessica’s heartwarming photos when she first holds her precious bundle of joy. Congratulations, Jessica, Eddie, and soon-to-be Little How Sweet! Your next chapter promises to be the most delicious adventure yet.

Chef’s Insights: Crafting Your Perfect Barbecue Turkey Pizza

This Barbecue Turkey Pizza is more than just a recipe; it’s an experience. It offers a canvas for creativity, especially when you’re looking to repurpose those delightful holiday leftovers. Here’s a closer look at what makes this pizza so special and how you can customize it to your heart’s content.

• Crust Perfection: I personally adore making this pizza pan-style, utilizing my Best Pan Pizza method. The cast-iron skillet creates an incredibly crispy, golden-brown bottom crust that’s truly unmatched. However, don’t feel limited! This incredible sauce and topping combination will shine on any of your favorite pizza crusts—whether you prefer a thin and crispy base, a thicker hand-tossed style, or even a convenient store-bought option. The key is to find a crust that you love and that complements the rich flavors of the toppings.
• The Star Ingredient: Leftover Turkey: This recipe was born out of a love for Thanksgiving leftovers, hence the chopped leftover turkey! It’s #TURKEYWEEK, after all! But the beauty of this dish lies in its versatility. You can absolutely make it with any fully-cooked poultry you have on hand. Think leftover roast chicken, grilled chicken, broiled turkey breast, deep-fried turkey, or even rotisserie chicken. The smoky, savory notes of the barbecue sauce pair wonderfully with any of these options, making it a brilliant way to prevent food waste and enjoy delicious meals with minimal effort.
• The Quintessential Cheese Blend: When it comes to cheese, a thoughtfully crafted combination makes all the difference. My go-to trio includes mozzarella for its unbeatable stretch and classic pizza texture, pepper jack for an exciting hint of spice and an extra layer of flavor, and a touch of sharp cheddar for its tangy, robust qualities. This blend creates a harmonious balance of melt, flavor, and visual appeal, ensuring every bite is a cheesy delight. Feel free to experiment with other cheeses like smoked gouda for an added smoky depth or Monterey Jack for a milder, creamier touch.
• “Trashing It Up” with Toppings: You could certainly stop at the basic barbecue turkey and scandalous amounts of melted cheese—it will be incredibly delicious straight from the oven! But to truly “trash it up,” Jessica-style, means piling on an array of fun, fresh, and flavorful additions. Consider vibrant sliced black olives for a briny pop, tangy pickled onions to cut through the richness, aromatic fresh cilantro leaves for a burst of freshness, and creamy slices or cubes of ripe avocado for a luxurious finish. Other fantastic additions include thinly sliced fresh jalapeños for an extra kick, crispy bacon bits for added crunch and savory notes, or even a drizzle of hot honey for a sweet and spicy kick. The beauty is in customizing it to your taste buds. One way or another, you’re guaranteed to be eating large!

Trashed Up Barbecue Turkey Pizza

Rebecca Lindamood

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Ingredients

For the Pizzas:

• 4 tablespoons olive oil or neutral oil with a high smoke point like grapeseed (not extra virgin, peanut, or canola, divided)
• 1 batch of dough from The Best Pan Pizza post
• 2 1/2 cups shredded or cubed leftover turkey
• 1 1/2 cups barbecue sauce
• 1 1/4 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup shredded Pepper Jack cheese
• 1/4 cup shredded Cheddar cheese

Optional but tasty:

• fresh cilantro leaves
• sliced black olives
• pickled red onions
• slices or cubes of ripe avocado
• thin slices of fresh jalapeno peppers
• thinly sliced green onions (scallions)

Instructions

To Prepare the Pizzas:

1. Preheat oven as high as it will go, preferably to 550°F (287°C). Remove plastic wrap from the pans containing the pizza dough. The dough should now have spread itself (or nearly spread itself) to the edges of the pan. Gently lift the edges of the dough to stretch it toward the sides of the pan if necessary. This also helps to release any trapped air underneath the dough. If you notice any large air bubbles, simply nudge them down with the back of a knuckle.
2. In a medium mixing bowl, toss together the shredded or cubed turkey with the barbecue sauce until evenly coated. Divide this mixture and spread half on each pizza crust, extending it all the way to the edges of the dough. Next, evenly distribute the combined mozzarella, pepper jack, and cheddar cheeses over each pizza, ensuring coverage right to the edge.
3. Carefully place the pizzas into the hot oven and bake for 12-20 minutes. Baking time may vary depending on your oven and desired level of doneness. You can check the underside of the pizza crust for crispness and color by gently lifting an edge with a flexible spatula (like a fish turner). A perfectly finished pizza will boast a crisp, deep-brown bottom and a bubbly, golden- to deep-golden brown top. I typically remove my pizzas when the edges have developed some deeply caramelized (and lightly charred) spots, and the cheese has achieved beautiful dark brown bubbles.
4. Once baked, use your flexible spatula to carefully slide the pizza onto a cutting board. At this point, you can adorn it with any of your remaining desired “trashed up” toppings. Allow the pizza to rest for 5 minutes before slicing it into wedges. After slicing, let it rest for another 3 minutes without moving or prying the pieces apart. This crucial resting time allows the cheese to set and the flavors to meld, ensuring a perfect slice every time.

Nutritional information provided is an estimate and serves as a courtesy. We recommend calculating the nutritional data with the actual ingredients used in your specific recipe, using your preferred nutrition calculator.

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More “Trashed Up” Delights for Jessica’s Virtual Baby Shower!

Would you like to explore even more of the fan-flippin’-tastic recipes created for Jessica’s Baby Shower? Dive into this amazingly awesome list, sprinkled with creativity and culinary flair!

Trashed Up Salads

1. Gimme Some Oven – Asian Broccoli Salad with Peanut Sauce
2. The Lemon Bowl – Brussels Slaw with Tahini Dressing and Za’atar Crostini
3. With Style & Grace – Kale Salad with Apple, Hazelnuts & Bacon

Trashed Up Cocktails

1. Dine & Dish – Hot Buttered Rum Cocktail
2. Food For My Family – Cranberry Orange Dark and Stormy Cocktail
3. Minimalist Baker – Bourbon Pumpkin Milkshakes
4. Stylish, Stealthy & (sometimes) Healthy – Apple Cider Shandy
5. A Spicy Perspective – Preggy Punch Mocktail
6. Girl vs. Dough – Boozy Maple Peanut Butter Cup Milkshake
7. Honestly Yum – Maple Bacon Pisco Sour
8. Cookin Canuck – Pink Grapefruit Margaritas
9. A Thought For Food – Mezcal Citrico Cocktail
10. A House in the Hills – Pomegranate Rosemary Spritzer
11. The Novice Chef – Ginger Bourbon Apple Cider
12. Bran Appetit – Citrus Cider Punch Floats

Trashed Up Burgers

1. Edible Perspective – Meatloaf Veggie Burgers with Mashed Potatoes + Gravy
2. The Little Kitchen – Salmon BLT Sliders with an Avocado Aioli & Brie
3. Daisy At Home – Balsamic Beef Burger with Mac and Cheese
4. Cookies & Cups – Candied Bacon Maple Cheddar Burger
5. Climbing Grier Mountain – Trashed-Up Steak Burger with Chicken Fried Bacon & Dijon Gravy
6. Dessert For Two – Bleu Cheese Burgers + Sweet Potato Fries
7. Country Clever – Fig Rosemary Roast Chicken Brie Brussels Sprout Panini
8. Foodie Crush – The Best Cheeseburger Soup
9. Lady and Pups – Spicy Sambal Chicken Meatball Sub with Eggs
10. Two Peas & Their Pod – Sweet Potato and Kale Grilled Cheese
11. Bake Your Day – Ultimate Breakfast Sandwich

Trashed Up Tacos

1. Spoon Fork Bacon – Crunchy Ground Beef and Cheesy Tacos
2. The Fauxmartha – Boozy Beef and Butternut Tacos
3. With Food + Love – Harvest Hash Breakfast Tacos
4. Mountain Mama Cooks – Crispy Kale and Brussels Sprout Tacos with Bacon
5. Heather Christo – Bahn Mi Tacos with Spicy Sriracha Honey Sauce
6. A Couple Cooks – Loaded Huevos Rancheros Tacos
7. Fitnessista – San Diego Lobster Street Tacos
8. Bakers Royale – Trash’d Street Tacos

Trashed Up Desserts

1. Table for Two – Salted Caramel, Dark Chocolate, and Brown Butter Shortbread Bars with Sprinkles
2. My Name is Yeh – Mini Vanilla Loaf Cakes, All Trashed Up
3. Picky Palate – Pumpkin Spice Butterscotch Sprinkle Cupcakes
4. Sprinkle Bakes – Cake Batter Confetti Cupcakes
5. Averie Cooks – Easy Homemade Funfetti Cake with Vanilla Buttercream
6. Sweet Phi – Trashed Up Shortbread Cookie Bars
7. Love & Olive Oil – Loaded Junk Food Brownies
8. Lauren’s Latest – Bakery Sugar Cookies
9. Cookie + Kate – Peanut Butter, Banana, Honey and Oat Chocolate Chip Cookies
10. Flourishing Foodie – Triple Layer Chocolate Cake with Salted Caramel Buttercream Frosting
11. The Sugar Hit – Salted Caramel Popcorn Ice Cream Cake
12. Hummingbird High – Breakfast Cereal Cake Donuts
13. Top With Cinnamon – Triple Chocolate Vanilla Swirl Crumb Cake
14. Bake at 350 – Chocolate Chip Cookie Ice Cream Sundaes
15. Simple Bites – Lemon Layer Cake
16. Bakerella – Baby Block Cake Pops
17. She Wears Many Hats – Chocolate Covered Grapefruit

Trashed Up Pizza

1. Bev Cooks – Beer Battered Fried Calamari Pizza
2. Rachel Cooks – Apple and Chicken Sausage Pizza with Macaroni and Cheese Stuffed Crust
3. Foodie With Family – Trashed Up Barbecue Turkey Pizza
4. Shutterbean – Pesto Potato Bacon Pizza
5. i am a food blog – Grilled Cheese Pizza
6. My Life as a Mrs – Chili Cheese Dog Pizza
7. Simply Scratch – Steak + Blue Cheese Pizza with Crispy Fried Shallots and Honey Balsamic Drizzle
8. The Beeroness – Beer Cheese Tater Tot Pizza
9. Yes I Want Cake – Roasted Pumpkin Pizza
10. Two Red Bowls – Bacon mashed potato pizza
11. Dula Notes – Pork Bahn Mi Pizza
12. Weelicious – Trashed Up Mexican Pizza Pockets
13. Take a Megabite – Roasted Beet Pizza
14. Hungry Girl Por Vida – Hard Cider Braised Pork with Sour Cherries and Cheesy Polenta