Wilson and I like to have “Date Night” at least once a week where we spend time together, just the two of us.  We try to do something out of the ordinary and interactive.  Sometimes I get him to help me in the kitchen if I am making a recipe that is tedious or time consuming, like ravioli, gyoza or tamales.  He will help out but half heartedly.  One evening I decided to make homemade flatbread with various toppings, that got his attention!  We made 6 different varieties and had a lot of fun in the process.  He enjoyed it so much that we repeat this delicious dinner every few months, dreaming up new and unusual toppings.  Following are just some of the yummy concoctions we have come up with to top my homemade flatbread.

*****************************************************************

Flatbread Topping Concoctions

Homemade ginger peanut sauce, spinach, bell pepper, carrot, pineapple, green onion and coconut garnished with fresh cilantro.

Olive oil, diced tomatoes, green bell pepper,  red onion, feta, kalamata olives & pine nuts.

Peanut sauce, spinach, red bell, zucchini, onion, cashews, bake and garnish with fresh basil.

Olive oil, oregano, spinach, peppadew, red onion, feta, bake and spritz with fresh lemon.

Same as above with with the addition of red bell pepper.

Chutney, stone ground mustard and white cheddar.

Homemade pesto, fresh Parmesan, sun-dried tomatoes and roasted garlic.

Olive oil, roasted balsamic red onions, roasted balsamic red peppers, and gorgonzola - my favorite.

Kalamata olive spread, Pecorino and fresh thyme.

Fresh dill tomato sauce, asparagus, scallions and goat cheese with a spritz of fresh lemon at service.

Bar-B-Q sauce, new potato, onion, and corn. 

Black bean & fire roasted tomato spread, pepper jack cheese, corn, tomitillo and sunchoke.

Caramelized onions and Gruyere. 

Caramelized onions, Gruyère and cremini mushrooms.

Homemade spicy peanut sauce, pineapple, cashews, coconut and scallions.

Black bean & fire roasted tomato spread, minced garlic, bell pepper, jalapeno cheddar, bake and garnish with fresh lemon juice and cilantro on a cornmeal crust.

Salsa, black olives, red and green jalapeno, black beans and white cheddar on a cornmeal crust.

Chipotle in adobo pesto, charred corn, sun dried tomatoes, smokey cheese and lime on a cornmeal crust.  Spicy!

Black beans & fire roasted tomatoes spread, minced garlic, freshly grated Parmesan, roasted red bell pepper, jalapeno, bake and garnish with fresh lemon juice and cilantro.

*****************************************************************

Wilson's Favorites

Sour cream, new potato, white cheddar, vegan "bacon bits", bake and garnish with chives.

Coarse ground mustard, new potatoes, white cheddar and tabasco.

This is a combination...

that he repeats often.

Coarse ground mustard, new potatoes, pepper jack cheese, dill and tabasco.

*****************************************************************

Dessert Flatbread

Apple garlic jam, Granny Smith apple slices, roasted garlic and white cheddar.

Honey, Granny Smith apple slices, gorgonzola, Marcona almonds and rosemary.

Butter, maple syrup, pecans, brown sugar and cinnamon.

Peanut butter with white and semi-sweet chocolate chips.

Chocolate balsamic vinegar, figs, apple, blue cheese, cinnamon and a drizzle of honey at service.

Soooooo good!

****************************************************************

Many of our concoctions don't require cheese, for those that do we use a small amount so as not to overwhelm the delicious crust.  The same applies to the toppings, I'm a big believer in less is more.

I have tried many different recipes and techniques for flatbread and the best by far is from The Bread Bakers Apprentice.  If you enjoy baking bread I highly recommend this book, it contains a wonderful variety of recipes as well as great tips and tricks for baking the perfect loaf of bread.