Cousin Bob's

     Not too long ago the American Academy of Pediatrics issued a report of a study of pizza consumption by our youth.  Citing the abundance of saturated fats and high levels of sodium in the adolescent favorite, they warned that eating pizza on a regular basis is a significant factor in contributing to childhood obesity.

     But that's because they have never eaten Cousin Bob's pizza.  No, it's not a franchise, and it can't be found in Little Italy or even at a corner store front.  Cousin Bob's pizza is only made in Greensboro, NC by one person...my cousin Bob Madtes.  I had the opportunity to savor his unique creation when I stopped by for a visit on my way home from the BBQ festival.  Bob and his wife, Melinda, have a very healthy lifestyle that includes regular exercise and eating right, including pizza.

     Bob proved that to me as he used the pizza dough that Melinda had proofed and placed it on a perforated pan, adorning it with things like halved cherry tomatoes, sliced bell peppers, quartered slices of eggplant, onion, mushrooms and some pepperoni.  Artfully arranged with healthy toppings the pizza went onto his grill out on the deck and cooked under Bob's watchful eye.  In just a few minutes we were enjoying lunch under the shade of the pergola.

     Who says eating pizza can't be healthy?  You just need to follow the recipe of Cousin Bob.