My blog is called Pies and Plots and today we have a version of a pie, a pizza pie, and I think we should talk about the plots side of things.
It has been a long ten years working on my writing. I have completed novels, screenplays, a stage play, and even a television pilot. It’s not all brilliant. Or genius. Some of it will never and should never see the light of day.
But some of it is really good. I know, it’s weird to say that about your own work, but if you don’t believe in yourself, who will believe in you? Dad recently saw a doctor, and the doctor told Dad he was very good at what he does. Sure, it sounds a little arrogant, but it would not have been preferable for him to say he’s okay or adequate.
I know some of it is this good because agents and editors and executives have all told me I’m a good writer. They like my story. My characters. My dialogue. They told me I am a writer. None of them were willing to take the plunge however, which may be the worst part of writing.
Last year I won an auction to have an agent critique one of my manuscripts. She actually took a look at two and chose one on which to focus. We chatted about that novel Friday.
She complemented the characters and readability. She said she related to some of it. It has a good foundation. The best complement really was that I could tell she delved into the book, explaining she read it multiple times, talking about the characters by name almost as though they were real people.
It needs work though. That’s what I expected to hear. The dream of course was for her to be all I want to sign you right now, but my exhausted brain understood that was unlikely and perhaps not even the right thing. Though I’ve been through five drafts, it’s different having a professional edit it than trying to do it on your own.
I’m not afraid of the work. I completely overhauled a screenplay on the advice of an executive. He thought it was a vast improvement and I should be proud of my work even though the script still sits on my computer unused. Unwanted. That’s sometimes how I feel.
The conversation with this agent was different. She didn’t talk at me; she talked with me. we had a conversation about the novel and where it needs to go. We mapped out a plan together. She said she didn’t think she could represent me because of her current projects and connections but when I am done with revisions she’ll introduce me to another agent.
Look, it’s not a guarantee or a promise, but it is something. It is a step forward when there have been so many steps back. I actually wish she could be my agent since I felt we really connected, but maybe Friday changed my life in ways that aren’t fully known to me yet and for that hope I am grateful.
I am also grateful for Sweet Potato Crust Cheeseburger Pizza. This was originally going to be a cauliflower crust thing, but after reading it can be finicky and looking at a lot of recipes that sounded finicky, I went with sweet potato and am so glad I did.
The crust totally holds together and brings this slightly sweet, complex texture to the pizza that complements the salty cheese and fatty ground beef so well. Think of it like eating your fries and burger all at once. But you know healthier since this is gluten free and packed with protein and vegetables.
You can add whatever toppings you love on your pizza, but since I can remember, pickles and onions have been my thing. I highly recommend the raw diced onion on top as it adds crunch and freshness that really takes the pizza to another level.
I’m ready to take life to another level right along with this pizza.
PrintSweet Potato Crust Cheeseburger Pizza #SundaySupper
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6-8 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked, mashed sweet potato
- 1 cup almond flour
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon coconut flour
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 ½ pounds ground beef, mine was 85/15
- 2 cups finely grated gruyere cheese
- ½ cup diced onion
- ½ cup sliced pickles
- Any other toppings for serving like ketchup, mustard, mayonnaise, lettuce, or tomato
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with parchment.
- In a medium bowl, stir together the sweet potato, almond flour, egg, vinegar, coconut flour, pepper, and salt until well combined. If the mixture is too liquidy add 1 tablespoon more coconut flour.
- Spread onto the prepared pan. It should be about ½ inch thick and can be any shape you want. Bake for about 30 minutes until set and beginning to brown around the edges.
- While the pizza crust bakes, cook the ground beef. Heat a large skillet over medium high heat. When hot add the oil followed by the meat. Cook, stirring frequently, until the beef is completely cooked. When the pizza crust is ready, sprinkle the meat over top, followed by the cheese. Bake 5-10 additional minutes until the cheese is melted.
- Sprinkle with onion, pickles, and any other toppings. Serve immediately. Leftover pizza may be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 350 degree F oven or the microwave.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
Don’t forget to check out the other Sunday Supper dishes! Thanks to Em for managing this event!
Dinner Ideas Using Ground Beef
- Albondigas Soup [Spicy Mexican Meatball Soup] by Wanderspice
- Easiest Greek Hamburgers by Positively Stacey
- Easy Doritos Taco Casserole by Recipes Food and Cooking
- Enchilada Burgers by Fantastical Sharing of Recipes
- Ground Beef and Vegetables over Garlic Seasoned Potatoes by Hot Eats and Cool Reads
- Keema Curry (Keema Matar) by Caroline’s Cooking
- Meat and Potato Skillet Gratin by From the Bookshelf
- Low Carb Mini Mexican Meatza by My Life Cookbook
- Picnic Taco Salad by A Kitchen Hoor’s Adventures
- Sweet Potato Crust Cheeseburger Pizza by Pies and Plots
- Taco Salad with Salsa Dressing by That Skinny Chick Can Bake
- Poached Egg Burger with Caramelized Onions by Sunday Supper Movement
The Sunday Supper Movement is committed to bringing our readers delicious recipes that encourage them to gather and eat together around the family table. Search for your favorite ingredients on our Sunday Supper website. Also check out the Sunday Supper Pinterest boards for plenty more ideas and inspiration.
Would you like to join the Sunday Supper Movement? It’s easy. You can sign up by clicking here: Sunday Supper Movement.
What a yummy twist on pizza! The crust sounds wonderful—I love the additional sweetness from the sweet potatoes! P.S. I’m glad you’re getting some positive response from your manuscripts. Fingers crossed someone will bite VERY soon!
Thanks, Liz! I am definitely hoping for the best.
That was really nice of the agent to take the time to meet and talk with you and let you down easy. This will go a long way in helping you develop the thick skin an aspiring writer needs. Congratulations!
Hey Zoey! Yes that thick skin has definitely developed a lot. I don’t see her feedback so much as letting me down easy but helping me improve so perhaps even this novel can be published.
You cannot even spell correctly and seem too lazy to use spellcheck. Wtf. Of course she seemed nice to you – your dad paid for her at an auction. You are not going to become a writer by sitting home and wishing. Take some classes. Get a job. Face reality.
Anna – we all have typos sometimes unfortunately. I don’t sit home and wish. I sit home and work … on this blog … on novels … on screenplays. I have seven completed novels, six completed screenplays, one television pilot, and one stage play. How many have you written?
Having someone who knows markets give you specifics about how to make your writing more marketable is SO valuable. Hope all goes well with your writing. And I hope to make this! What a wonderful dish — sounds terrific. Thanks!