Pepperoni “Ciabizza” with Hot Honey

Ingredients

• 1 x 790g loaf Ciabatta bread
• 14 oz crushed tomatoes (Mutti brand is great fyi for food team)
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 200g fresh mozzarella
• 75g pepperoni
• Olive oil for drizzling
• Fresh basil, for garnish

For the Hot Honey:

• 1 cup honey
• 1 tsp chili flakes
• 3 birdseye chilis, sliced
• 1 stalk lemongrass
• 1 shallot, sliced
• 1 tbsp vinegar
• salt to taste

Directions

1. Cut the top 1/3 of the ciabatta loaf, exposing the holes and air pockets in the bread.
2. Trim off the crust and square off the ends, creating a crustless rectangle.
3. Drizzle with olive oil.
4. To make the sauce, combine the tomato, salt, onion powder, and garlic powder.
5. Spread onto the bread.
6. Tear the fresh mozzarella and dollop on top, followed by the pepperoni.
7. Bake at 400 degrees for 7-8 minutes or until crispy and golden brown.
8. Garnish with fresh basil and a drizzle of hot honey!

For the Hot Honey:

1. Bring all ingredients up to a gentle boil, simmer for 10-15 minutes.
2. Turn off heat and let the honey infuse and steep for 20-30 minutes.
3. Strain, then transfer into a squeeze bottle!