Mediterranean Squares

I have had this recipe for 10 years and continue to enjoy it time and again!  My friend Sharon made this for lunch one day when our eldest children were babies and it soon became a staple for gatherings and our various lunches with Siobhan.  It is simple, consists of ingredients that you can find in your pantry and fridge, and takes no time at all to prepare.  The best is that it is just as tasty cut up into small bite-sized squares and eaten cold!

MEDITERRANEAN SQUARES

Ingredients:

(Topping)

1 medium onion, diced

2 garlic cloves, minced

1 tbsp olive oil

Pinch of dried rosemary

1 cup grated mozzarella cheese

2 medium hot house tomatoes, sliced

1 cup sliced mushrooms

1 tsp dried basil 

1/2 tsp oregano

1/4 tsp black pepper

1/2 cup grated Parmesan Reggiano

(Crust)

1/4 cup cornmeal

1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour

1 tbsp baking powder

1 tsp salt

1/3 cup cold shortening (or cold butter)

3/4 cup milk

• Preheat oven to 425F.  Prepare a rimmed cookie sheet by sprinkling with 2 tsp cornmeal.  Set aside.
• In a small microwavable bowl, pour olive oil over the garlic and onions and microwave, uncovered at high for 1 minute, or until softened (*I generally place the ingredients in a small pan and saute till softened)
• In a bowl, combine cornmeal, flour, baking powder, and salt.  Cut in shortening until it becomes coarse crumbs.  Add milk all at once and mix to make a soft, sticky dough.
• Turn out onto a floured surface and knead approx. 10 times (avoid overworking the dough!)  Roll out to fit pan.
• Sprinkle mozzarella cheese over the crust.  Arrange tomatoes, mushrooms, and onion mixture on top of the cheese.  Sprinkle with basil, oregano, pepper and Parmesan.
• Bake in bottom third of preheated oven for 20 minutes, or until cheese is bubbly and crust is browned.  
• Slide on to a cooling rack and let cool for 5 minutes prior to cutting into squares.
• ENJOY!

**Since my family cannot really tolerate wheat and dairy, I use gluten free all-purpose flour, coconut oil instead of shortening or butter, almond milk, and goat's cheeses!