Pizza Dips

Photo: flickr user SuziJane

Ingredients

1/2 pound bulk breakfast sausage

2 cups all purpose flour

1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

2 teaspoons mixed Italian dried herbs (basil, oregano, 1 teaspoon salt

2/3 cup vegetable oil

- ½ c. ice water

Hot pizza dipping sauce (recipe follows)

sliced tomatoes

celery sticks

Mint leaves for garnish

Preparation

Savory, pizza flavored snacks are first formed into little balls, baked crisp, then served with a hot pizza flavored sauce as a dip. You can prepare the Pizza Dips ahead and reheat them before serving.

1. Brown meat in frying pan. Drain excess fat.

2. Combine flour, cheese, herbs and salt in mixing bowl. Cut in shortening until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

3. Add sausage. Mix until evenly distributed. Sprinkle with ice water and stir until dough is just moist enough to handle.

4. Shape into 1" balls. Place on ungreased cookie sheet. (This much can be done ahead if desired.)

5. Bake at 450 degrees for 10 to 12 minutes or until lightly browned. Serve hot with hot dipping sauce. Accompany with sliced tomato and celery sticks. Garnish with sprig of mint.

In saucepan combine 1 cup tomato sauce with 2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese, 1 tablespoon oil, 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano leaves, 1/4 teaspoon garlic salt and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Heat to simmering. Keep warm while serving.

TIPS: You can prepare Pizza Dips, cover, refrigerate and bake later. Or you can bake and freeze them, re-heating them before serving.