One on One: Jann Arden

I'm so excited about this weeks One on One.. I'm such a huge fan. Not only is she a great singer and an incredible song writer... she's an author as well!

And this is the best of it all: Jann's Canadian! She is loved by millions but in Canada we love her just a little more LOL!!! With the numerous awards she has won I would say the most notable one for me would have to be when she was inducted into the Canada's Walk of Fame in  2006.

When Jann said she would do this I was thrilled, and humbled because she's always so busy. I mean when does she have the extra time? So I better get to the One On One or I'll have pages and pages of me telling you how much I love Jann. So let's begin!-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Chef D: Are you working on any big projects or upcoming exciting news that you can share with us...

Jann: In September I start working on a new original record with producer Bob Rock. If he can produce Metallica- I figure he is the perfect guy for me! I've also been working on a new book for the past year as well and hope to have it out in 2014. Life is always busy and productive. I feel grateful for each and every opportunity that comes my way.

Chef D: Being born and raised in Calgary, when the Alberta floods happened it was such a devastating catastrophe.. Were your family and friends effected by the damage? The benefit concert you took part in was just incredible, and raised over a million dollars. That's incredible.

Jann: The flooding this year in southern Alberta effected pretty much everyone I know. I had dear friends in a town called Bragg Creek who lost everything. It was a horrific thing to witness. I live right on the elbow river but am 35 feet up so fortunately I had no damage except for losing a few dozen trees and a few feet of the embankment. It was a scary thing to watch. I have a feeling this may be the new normal for my area.

Chef D: You are incredible in concert! You don't only sing songs, you tell fun stories too! Have you ever thought about going into stand-up... you're HILARIOUS!

Jann: No stand up for me!! Very hard job. I like that I can have a good balance of humour and music in my shows. It a great feeling to take people on an emotional ride.

Chef D: Being in the music industry for as long as you have, is there still someone you have never worked with but hope to do so in the near future?

Jann: I have been so lucky to have had worked with some amazing artists.I think my wish list is pretty small these days... ABBA!! That's ever gonna happen!! And perhaps Bette Midler...
  
Chef D: And finally... When you are home with your family and your adorable little dog Midi. Is there a dish that you make that is always enjoyed by everyone? Can you share the recipe ,Jann?

Jann: I make pizza like its going out of style. Seriously- I make it from scratch a few times a month. Dough- sauce-mozzarella cheese... It's crazy good!
Thank you very much, Jann, for taking time out of your busy schedule to take part in One-on-One. It's greatly appreciated! Lots of love, Derek xoxo...
 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Jann Arden's Homemade Cheese Pizza

Pizza Dough
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Makes: 2  14 inch shells

Ingredients:
3 1/2 to 4 cups bread flour, plus more for rolling (Chef's Note: Using bread flour will give you a much crisper crust. If you can't find bread flour, you can substitute it with all-purpose flour which will give you a chewier crust.)
1 teaspoon sugar
1 envelope instant dry yeast
2 teaspoons kosher salt
1  1/2 cups warm water,
2 tablespoons olive oil, plus 2 teaspoons

Directions:
Combine the bread flour, sugar, yeast and kosher salt in the bowl of a stand mixer and combine. While the mixer is running, add the water and 2 tablespoons of the oil and beat until the dough forms into a ball. If the dough is sticky, add additional flour, 1 tablespoon at a time, until the dough comes together in a solid ball. If the dough is too dry, add additional water, 1 tablespoon at a time. Scrape the dough onto a lightly floured surface and gently knead into a smooth, firm ball.Grease a large bowl with the remaining 2 teaspoons olive oil, add the dough, cover the bowl with plastic wrap and put it in a warm area to let it double in size, about 1 hour. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and divide it into 2 equal pieces. Cover each with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let them rest for 10 minutes.

Pizza Sauce
Makes: 2  3/4 cups
Ingredients:
1  (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
1  (6 ounce) can tomato paste
1 tablespoon ground oregano
1  1/2 teaspoons dried minced garlic
1 teaspoon ground paprika

Directions:

In a medium bowl, Mix together tomato sauce and tomato paste until smooth. Stir in oregano, garlic and paprika.

Building the Pizza:

1 Preheat oven to 400' degrees

2 Remove the plastic cover from the dough and punch the dough down so it deflates a bit. Divide the dough in half. Form two round balls of dough. Place each in its own bowl, cover with plastic and let sit for 10 minutes.

3. Working one ball of dough at a time, take one ball of dough and flatten it with your hands on a slightly floured work surface. Starting at the center and working outwards, use your fingertips to press the dough to 1/2-inch thick. Turn and stretch the dough until it will not stretch further. Let the dough relax 5 minutes and then continue to stretch it until it reaches the desired diameter - 10 to 12 inches. Use your palm to flatten the edge of the dough where it is thicker. You can pinch the very edges if you want to form a lip.

4. Brush the top of the dough with olive oil (to prevent it from getting soggy from the toppings). Use your finger tips to press down and make dents along the surface of the dough to prevent bubbling. Let rest another 5 minutes.

Repeat with the second ball of dough.

5. Lightly spray your pizza tray with Transfer one prepared flattened dough to the pizza Tray. If the dough has lost its shape in the transfer, lightly shape it to the desired dimensions.

6. Spoon on the tomato sauce, sprinkle with cheese (12 oz. of cheese will do two pizzas).Put as much sauce and cheese as you like. But keep in mind if you put to much, it becomes soggy.

7. Bake pizza one at a time until the crust is browned and the cheese is golden, about 10-15 minutes.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Follow Jann Arden on Twitter and Instagram! Check out her website too!