PIZZA!

Pizza is HANDS DOWN my favorite food. I finally got around to trying my own homemade version, crust, marinara sauce and all. So here it is: my recipe for an awesome veggie za.



CRUST:
ingredients

• 1/2 cup warm water (105 to 110 degrees F)

• 2 teaspoons dry yeast

• 2 cups flour

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 3 tablespoons olive oil

DIRECTIONS:

Mix the warm water and yeast in a small bowl to blend. Let stand until the yeast dissolves, about 5 minutes. Mix the flour and salt with a hand mixer or food processor to blend. Blend in the oil. With the machine running, add the yeast mixture and blend just until the dough forms. Turn the dough out onto lightly floured surface and knead until smooth, about 1 minute. Transfer the dough to a large oiled bowl and turn the dough to coat with the oil. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and set aside in a warm draft-free area until the dough doubles in volume, about 1 hour. Punch the down dough and form into ball. (The dough can be used immediately or stored airtight in the refrigerator for 1 day.)

SAUCE:

1⁄2 cup extra-virgin olive oil

1⁄2 teaspoon sea salt, plus more to taste

1⁄2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, plus more to taste

1 can of crushed tomatoes
add in: fresh basil, dry basil, oregano, italian seasoning, garlic salt, fresh garlic, red pepper flakes

Instructions:

In a skillet, heat the oil over a medium-high flame. Add the fresh garlic and sauté, approx 3-4 minutes. Add in the fresh basil & oregano (if you're using it). Add the crushed tomatoes and simmer uncovered over low heat until the sauce comes to a low boil. Season the sauce with salt, pepper, and other seasonings listed below (to taste).

TOPPINGS:
i usually make veggie pizza: so here is what i use for my toppings-
1% skim mozarella cheese (finely shredded)
fresh spinach
green pepper
fresh tomatoes (sliced)
sun dried tomatoes
red onion
parmesan cheese
**extras- mushrooms, eggplant, basil, artichokes, arugula

COOKING INSTRUCTIONS:

Position one oven rack in the center and the second rack on the bottom of the oven and preheat to 450 degrees F. Sprinkle the cornmeal over 2 rimless baking sheets. (I use the flat cookie sheets) Roll out pizza dough into a whatever shape you can get it into. Transfer dough to prepared baking sheet.

Spoon the marinara sauce over the dough, dividing equaling and leaving a 1-inch border around each pizza. Sprinkle the cheeses over the sauce. ADD VEGGIES/ toppings!! Bake the pizzas until the crusts are crisp and brown on the bottom and the cheese is melted on top, rotating the baking sheets half way through baking, about 15 minutes. Sprinkle a few more spices on top- oregano, basil- or fresh basil....then slice it up and serve immediately. I highly recommend drinking red wine and eating a great salad with this pizza.

BUON APPETITO!