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Many of you know that I was a super-picky eater growing up. But one of my absolutely-positively-no-good-very-bad “foods” to avoid was….dum dum dum…crust. Oh my goodness. I avoided it like the plague, which happened to drive my Grandma Ebright crazy. The more I picked it off of my toast, my pizza, the bottom of my rolls, and the edge of my brownies…the more determined she became in her mission to convince me otherwise. We would have lengthy discussions about how the crust was made from the “same ingredients” as the yummy, soft center of my toast. And of course about how it was “never good to waste food”. She even persuaded a gullible, straight-haired little me that eating crust would make my hair curly! (Which briefly “worked”, until a question to my hairdresser set the record straight!)
Thankfully, the pendulum eventually swung, and I became a total crust-loving foodie. And Grandma’s disapproving looks eventually turned to amusement at family gatherings as she watched me choose the end of a loaf of bread, or finish off entire pieces of pizza, or even (gasp!) show her pages from my food blog. I still think of her every time I bite into a slice of toast though. :) Love and miss her.
Athenos (the maker of some rockin’ feta) has recently introduced a new grandma character of their own — Yia Yia. She’s the quintessential traditional Greek grandmother who’s not always the most approving, but her love for family and the quality, simple, fresh ingredients in Athenos is strong. Which totally rang true when I used their feta in this a-mazing autumn pizza. It combines the butternut squash and bacon combination I used in one of my favorite pasta recipes with some fresh spinach, red onions, and yummy feta. And holy cow. I took some to the guys in my band to taste-test, and even they (who called it a “girly” pizza before trying it) gave it a big thumbs up. No sauce or herbs needed. The ingredients make this pizza fantastic….crust and all. :)
So in honor of Yia Yia and my grandma (who nurtured and set the example in our family of an incredible love of reading!), we are giving away one $50 Amazon gift certificate this week. You can use it to buy a pizza stone, cookbooks, music for dancing in the kitchen, or even a pro-crust brownie pan…you name it! The winner will also receive coupons for free Athenos feta, and a fantastic serving platter and utensils. Read below for details and enter to win!
***This giveaway is now closed. Congratulations to our winner, KellyBeth!***
6 slices lean bacon, cooked and diced into 1/2″ pieces
1/3 cup crumbled ATHENOS feta cheese
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). In a large bowl, toss together the butternut squash, onion, and 2 tablespoons olive oil, then spread the mixture in a single layer on a baking sheet. Season with salt and pepper. Roast in the oven for about 30 minutes, stirring and turning the vegetables about halfway through.
Brush the remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil over the top of the pizza crust. Leaving a 1″ border for crust, toss the Mozzarella cheese evenly over the center of the crust. Layer with spinach, then bacon, and the squash/onion mixture (breaking up the onions if needed). Then sprinkle the top with feta cheese.
Bake pizza according to recipe/package instructions. Or bake for 10-12 minutes, until crust is slightly golden and the Mozzarella is melted. Slice and serve immediately.
Ali’s Tip:
If butternut squash is not in season, this would also be delicious with sweet potatoes!
$50 Amazon Gift Certificate Giveaway
Giveaway Prizes:
$50 gift certificate to Amazon.com
Serving platter and serving utensils
5 free coupons for ATHENOS feta
Entry requirements:
How to Enter: Leave a comment on this page mentioning a story about a favorite Yia-Yia figure in your life, or your favorite way to use ATHENOS feta cheese.
Required: You must include your email address in the comment form. I will need it to contact you should you win.
Deadline: October 10, 2011 at 11:59pm Central Time
2 Opportunities for extra entries:
Twitter: Copy this exact text into a tweet, and then post a link to your tweet in a comment below — “Enter to win a $50 Amazon gift certificate from @athenos at @gimmesomeoven this week! https://bit.ly/o4AZMA #giveaway #recipes
Facebook: “Like” Gimme Some Oven on Facebook, and leave a comment here saying you have done so.
Facebook: “Like” Athenos on Facebook, and leave a comment here saying you have done so.
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The Fine Print: No purchase necessary to enter. Winner will be selected at random by Gimme Some Oven using Random.org. Entries that do not follow the entry requirements will not be considered. Winners will be notified via email and will have 48 hours to confirm receipt of the email. If the winners do not reply within 48 hours, another winner(s) will be selected. Giveaways will be mailed to the winners’ address. This post is sponsored by Athenos. Kraft Foods is providing the prizes for this program at no cost to me. However, my opinions are entirely my own and I have not been paid to publish positive comments toward Athenos products. This program is not administered or sponsored by Kraft Foods or its affiliates, but solely by Gimme Some Oven.
***This giveaway is now closed. Congratulations to our winner, KellyBeth!***
My favorite way to use Athenos feta is in a recipe found in my Biggest Loser cookbook called Greek Goddess salad. It’s so good it’ll make you forget you’re eating something good for you. =)
My grandma is just like a Yia-Yia While everyone else was eating, she was still in the kitchen. She was always seemed like the quiet one, but everyone went to her for advice!
my favorite way to use ATHENOS feta is on homemade pizzas! I really like using it on salads too. The best flavor for my pizzas is the tomato basil one!
I’ve also liked gimmesomeoven on facebook and retweeted: https://twitter.com/#!/bbbrandnewww
mmm, this looks so good. But, I’m vegetarian! I love to use feta with any recipe with raw tomatoes, such as a marinated tomato salad, or a spinach salad!
I loved going to my grandma’s for sleepovers. It would typically be a Sat night and so on Sun we would get up and go to Mass. After Church we would bring Holy Communion to those that we home bound. I got the opportunity to get to know lots of different people. It was very rewarding to see the home bounds faces light up when we came. The first time I went it was nearly 24 years ago.
For my extra entries.
I like you on FaceBook
I like Athenos on FaceBook too
I guess the Yia Yia person in my life would be my mom – not always approving, but always loving, and always steering me in the right direction. Especially in terms of food. Look at me! Now I’m the cook in the family and she waits for me to bring *her* homemade goodies for a change. :)
I love using feta on my Greek salads. I spent the summer in Greece, so my salads are traditional, but it was nice to come home and know that there was a brand of feta that would be perfect for them.
My Grandma, or Yia Yia, lives by the beach. Every summer when we’d go to visit her she, my mom, and I, would go walking along the beach, picking up beach glass as we went, just talking about life, updates, and everything. This beach glass (glass worn down and smoothed by the sea and sand) sits in a jar on her front porch by a big porch swing. Those are some of my favorite memories and the jar always reminds me of these times with her.
My Yia Yia person would have been my great grandma. Whenever we would go over to her house we would make Kolaches! Those were my favorite! Or we would make homemade sugar cookies or homemade cinnamon rolls! I still to this day crave every single one of those all the time.
My favorite yai yai moment is when I bake with my grandmother (Moms) during Christmas time. We make cookie, after cookie, after cookie. :-) Thank you for the giveaway!
Oh my goodness, I LOVE using feta on salads or pizza. It’s delicious!
I just tried feta! So far, I love it on a spinach salad.
I also like “Gimme Some Oven” on facebook.
My favorite way to use Athenos feta is in a recipe found in my Biggest Loser cookbook called Greek Goddess salad. It’s so good it’ll make you forget you’re eating something good for you. =)
I would use the feta in an apple walnut feta salad. Also great for fall!
I love using Athenos feta on salads or using it on sandwiches of feta, hummus, and veggies. Yum!
(marlo.hamrick@mac.com)
My Yia Yia figure is my Nonna (Italian grandmother). She too makes a special pizza we all die for. She has so many delicious recipes and traditions.
That pizza looks delicious. Thanks for sharing.
Oh! I am also a Facebook fan. Love your site.
My grandma is just like a Yia-Yia While everyone else was eating, she was still in the kitchen. She was always seemed like the quiet one, but everyone went to her for advice!
Oh! I would love to try feta in a salad or pizza!
I looooove feta on yellow peppers. More exactly, stuffed yellow peppers with tomatoes and feta.
And I’m already following you on facebook…
my favorite way to use ATHENOS feta is on homemade pizzas! I really like using it on salads too. The best flavor for my pizzas is the tomato basil one!
I’ve also liked gimmesomeoven on facebook and retweeted: https://twitter.com/#!/bbbrandnewww
mmm, this looks so good. But, I’m vegetarian! I love to use feta with any recipe with raw tomatoes, such as a marinated tomato salad, or a spinach salad!
i like it on pizza
Feta for breakfast, feta for lunch… :) We like it on a simple pizza with feta, spinach, olive oil, and toasted pine nuts.
I love feta, spinach, and red onions wrapped in chicken breast!
I liked you & Athenos on Facebook.
My Yia Yia is my own Nana. Always inspiring.
I LOVE using feta on my Greek Mediterranean hummus plate. Can you say YUM!!!
I like you on facebook!! =)
& Twitter
https://twitter.com/#!/thequaintlife/status/121079340317413376
… and the 10th is my one year wedding anniversary. Would be wonderful to win (especially because my husband loves Feta so much!)
My favourite feta recipe? It has to be my Mediterranean Burgers–A homemade burger with some feta, tzatziki, alfalfa sprouts, and tomatoes. Delicious!
Omg feta cheese is amazing on everything. Especially salad or a greek flatbread pizza…with hummus, peppers, tomatoes, garlic, and chicken. yum :)
Liked Athenos on Facebook!
I loved going to my grandma’s for sleepovers. It would typically be a Sat night and so on Sun we would get up and go to Mass. After Church we would bring Holy Communion to those that we home bound. I got the opportunity to get to know lots of different people. It was very rewarding to see the home bounds faces light up when we came. The first time I went it was nearly 24 years ago.
For my extra entries.
I like you on FaceBook
I like Athenos on FaceBook too
I follow you on FB. That’s how I found out about your giveaway! :)
I guess the Yia Yia person in my life would be my mom – not always approving, but always loving, and always steering me in the right direction. Especially in terms of food. Look at me! Now I’m the cook in the family and she waits for me to bring *her* homemade goodies for a change. :)
My figure would be my Gma. She is full blood swede and best food and recipes! No one can make food better than her and we’ve tried!
Like gimme some oven on facebook
Feta, pesto, and almonds mixed with steamed green beans and potatoes? Say yes to a delightfully light and delicious salad! :)
The YiaYia figure in my life is most definitely my Mom. So strong, sure, determined, and loving. Thanks for the giveaway!
I like you on Facebook.
And I like Athenos on facebook as well.
This pizza looks amazing!
My grandma passed away when I was young, but I can thank her for my love of ice cream!
OH…love me some feta topped zucchini or pasta…or, just straight from the little tub…deliciousness!
I love using feta on my Greek salads. I spent the summer in Greece, so my salads are traditional, but it was nice to come home and know that there was a brand of feta that would be perfect for them.
I love putting feta on salads. I never thought of putting it on pizza, great idea!
I live feta with lots of olives on a big Greek salad!
I make a “pizza” with pita bread, sliced tomato, and feta cheese. Yum!
I like you on facebook.
I love to use Athenos feta cheese on everything. I use it on salads, I use it in sandwiches, everything! I love cheese! Especially feta!
I “like” Gimme Some Oven on Facebook!
Feta cheese is great when mixed with tart cherries and used to stuff a baked delicata squash — that’s what I made last night!
I like feta sprinkled on my salad with dried cranberries!
My Grandma, or Yia Yia, lives by the beach. Every summer when we’d go to visit her she, my mom, and I, would go walking along the beach, picking up beach glass as we went, just talking about life, updates, and everything. This beach glass (glass worn down and smoothed by the sea and sand) sits in a jar on her front porch by a big porch swing. Those are some of my favorite memories and the jar always reminds me of these times with her.
I “Like”d Gimme Some Oven on Facebook :) (Which I guess I should have done a long time ago…)
I “Like”d Athenos on Facebook :)
My Yia Yia person would have been my great grandma. Whenever we would go over to her house we would make Kolaches! Those were my favorite! Or we would make homemade sugar cookies or homemade cinnamon rolls! I still to this day crave every single one of those all the time.
My favorite yai yai moment is when I bake with my grandmother (Moms) during Christmas time. We make cookie, after cookie, after cookie. :-) Thank you for the giveaway!
chicken stuffed w/ feta, mozzarella, basil & chopped tomatoes!! Delicious!!