Pizza Night

There are some days when I just don’t feel like making dinner. Today the kids suggested going around the corner to get pizza. However, that would have required changing out of my PJ's (which I had already put on – I didn't wear them all day. At least not that day.) The compromise which required the least work and produced the most happiness was homemade pizza.

Bitty and the Bean love homemade pizza. It takes no more time than any other dinner we make after a busy day. Eternally grateful that this one converted so easily. I use the recipe for pizza dough on Wine & Glue, modified for the reality of my life. http://www.wineandglue.com/2014/02/secret-perfect-pizza-dough.html

Pizza Dough

Ingredients:

3 cups all-purpose flour (I used unbleached)

1 (.25 ounce) package active dry yeast (1 packet less ½ tsp)

2 TBSPs olive oil

1 tsp of salt

1 tsp of sugar

1 cup water at 110 degrees (I added 1 c + 2 Tbsp to start)

Pizza sauce (I use crushed tomatoes with garlic salt and Italian seasoning)

Cheese (3 cheese Italian blend)

Toppings (Bitty likes ham. The Bean likes extra cheese.)

Directions:

Heat the water to 110-115 degrees (your decision how to do that.) Stir in the sugar and pour the yeast on top of the water.  Gently mix the yeast into the water and let it sit until it becomes foamy.

Put the flour, olive oil, and salt into your mixer bowl and mix on low speed. Slowly add the water and oil.

If the dough doesn't begin to form into a ball (mine didn't!), slowly add additional water 1 TBSP at a time until it does.  (I added another 2 Tbsp of water.)

Let your dough rest in a greased bowl that is covered with plastic wrap for about an hour (30 min or until doubled) on your counter top.

Preheat the oven to 375 (400) degrees. Put your pizza stone in the oven as you preheat so it is at correct temperature.

When the dough is ready, divide it in half. Roll out your dough on a lightly floured surface or piece of parchment paper. Prick it lightly with a fork so it doesn't bubble up.  

If you are only making one pizza, put the extra dough in the refrigerator in an air tight container and use within the next three days.

Cook the dough for 8 minutes. (I omitted this step entirely.)

Spread out the sauce and add cheese and your toppings of choice.  Sprinkle more mozzarella on top at the end.

Cook your pizza for 15 to 20 minutes (10 min) or until it is to your desired pizza doneness.

Results:
Huge hit. Also great with a glass of wine, much needed after today.