On a weekend night, I think nothing of mixing flour, water and yeast to make homemade pizza dough, but during the week when dinner must hit the table fast, I've found pre-made pizza dough to be a great alternative. The uncooked dough can be found in grocery stores in bags near fresh pastas and the like. Once the dough is allowed to warm up a bit, rolled out and baked, it tastes close to homemade, and it's super-quick.

Recipe included with this story: Middle Eastern "Pizzas" With Hummus and Lamb. 

For something out of the ordinary, I forgo the pepperoni-and-cheese topping and turn toward the Middle East for inspiration. Flatbreads spread with lamb and chopped tomatoes, called lachma bi ajun (one of several spellings), are street food found in Syria, Lebanon, Israel and parts of Turkey.

In my ode to these portable pizzas, I bake or grill small rounds of pizza dough and top them with hummus (also store-bought), browned ground lamb and a sprinkle of crunchy chopped cucumber, fresh mint and tomatoes. Call it decorated flatbread, pizza or even a spin on gyros. I call it quick and delicious.

This recipe calls for zaatar (also spelled zatar or za'atar), a finely ground spice blend of wild thyme, sesame seeds and sumac to season the ground lamb. It adds a zesty, earthy, authentic flavor that's delicious. Find zaatar at spice shops, Middle Eastern markets or online at www.Penzeys.com. You could substitute dried thyme or oregano if you're really in a pinch, but reduce the amount to  3/4 of a teaspoon.

-- Ivy Manning is a freelance food writer and personal chef.