My sister-in-law, Chris, makes the best pizza I’ve ever tasted. She starts with perfect crust, sauce that screams ‘homemade’ and her secret blend of cheeses. (O.K., you guessed it… I’m jealous.)

The good news is, out of jealousy stems my desire to duplicate her close to perfect pie. So, I’ve dusted off my hardly used, deep-dish, pizza pan, eagerly anticipating my success.

The not-so-good news is that success is still lurking somewhere in my future. While my attempts have been tasty enough, they are nowhere near Chris’ finished product.

But, all is not lost. I have discovered several new uses for my pizza pan. I’ve broiled in it, I’ve cooked bacon in it, I’ve made a double batch of cinnamon rolls in it and even baked spaghetti in it. It has proven to be quite versatile.

One day I hope to share with you the fact that I have, indeed, created a pizza that my sister-in-law will enjoy, as much as her own.

Until then my pizza pan has a new lease on life and no longer resides in the darkest recesses of my cupboard.

I challenge you to dust off your unused deep dish pizza pan or purchase one, if you don’t. They are handier than you might think… and not just for pizza anymore!