Valerie Bertinelli Food

FRIED CHICKPEAS WITH SAGE AND PARMESAN

Steps:

• Rinse the chickpeas and drain them very well. Line a baking sheet with a couple layers of paper towels and turn the chickpeas out on top in a single layer. Let the chickpeas dry thoroughly, at least 1 hour and up to 4 hours (the drier the better).
• Fill a medium pot with vegetable oil to a depth of 2 inches. Bring the oil to 350 degrees F over medium-high heat. Add the sage leaves and fry until a shade darker and crisp, 30 seconds to 1 minute. Transfer to a paper-towel-lined baking sheet and sprinkle with a little salt.
• Add half of the chickpeas to the oil and fry, stirring often, until golden brown and crisp, 2 to 3 minutes. Transfer to a paper-towel-lined baking sheet and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Return the oil to 350 degrees F and repeat with the remaining chickpeas. Cool completely.
• Gently toss together the fried chickpeas and sage, the Parmesan, and salt and pepper to taste.

CAULIFLOWER CRUST PIZZA

Steps:

• Special equipment: a pizza stone and peel or two rimless baking sheets
• Place a pizza stone or rimless baking sheet in the oven; preheat to 475 degrees F.
• Add the cauliflower to a food processor; pulse until finely ground, about the consistency of couscous. Pour the cauliflower onto a clean kitchen towel (I like flour sack towels for this) and squeeze out as much liquid as possible.
• To a large bowl, add the cauliflower, Parmesan, Italian seasoning, garlic, salt, some black pepper and the egg. Mix until the mixture holds together when pinched.
• Line a pizza peel or a second rimless baking sheet with parchment paper; liberally brush with olive oil. Spread the cauliflower mixture into a 12-inch-wide circle on the parchment. Slide the parchment onto the preheated pizza stone or baking sheet. Bake until the cauliflower crust is barely golden and darker at the edges, about 15 minutes.
• Remove the crust from the oven, sprinkle with the mozzarella and spread the marinara sauce over the top (this keeps the crust dry). Slide the pizza back onto the pizza stone or baking sheet and bake until bubbly and browned in spots, about 4 minutes.
• Scatter the basil over the top. Slice and serve.

FOUR CHEESE FONDUE WITH ASSORTED DIPPERS

Steps:

• Add the cheeses and cornstarch to a medium-size bowl. Using clean hands, toss the cheese with cornstarch to combine.
• Add the wine, lemon juice, mustard, garlic powder and a pinch of nutmeg to a fondue pot or a heavy bottom ceramic saucepan. Whisk to combine and bring to a simmer over medium-low heat. Gradually add the cheeses in cup-size increments, being sure to let the cheese completely melt before adding more. Avoid over-stirring, as it could make the fondue stringy. Add salt to taste.
• Keep warm in a fondue pot and serve immediately. Use fondue forks or wooden skewers to dip dippers into fondue.