Homemade Pizza

One of our favorite meals around here is homemade pizza. I got home from work a little early last night so I had plenty of time to make the dough & let it rise. Simple to make, try it!

Ingredients, Crust:

(recipe from Cooking Light)

1 pkg. dry yeast (about 2 1/4 tsp.)

1/4 tsp. sugar

1 1/2 c. warm water (100*-110*)

Combine above ingredients and let sit for 5 minutes. Then add:

1 Tb. olive oil

1 1/2 tsp. salt

2 1/4 c. all-purpose flour

1 c. whole wheat flour

Stir until it comes together, then turn out onto floured surface & knead 5-10 minutes, adding flour as necessary so that it doesn't stick to surface or hands. Drizzle some olive oil in a large bowl. Place dough in & turn to coat with the oil. Cover with a light kitchen towel & let rise in a warm place (85*) for 45 min or until doubled in size. Dough is ready when you gently press 2 fingers into dough & indentation remains. Punch down dough & let rest another 5 minutes.

This can make 2 large pizzas or many small ones. Cut off desired amount & roll on a floured surface. Sprinkle a cookie sheet with corn meal. Place dough on sheet. Poke several holes in dough, the more holes, the thinner the crust will be.

While dough is rising, prepare the sauce:

2 Tb olive oil

1/2 medium onion, finely chopped

2 cloves garlic, crushed

3 Tb. tomato paste

1 can crushed tomatoes (28oz)

1 tsp. basil

2 tsp. parsley

1 tsp. oregano

1/2 tsp. black pepper

salt to taste

In medium saucepan over medium heat, add oil. Once hot, add onion & cook 3 minutes. Add garlic & cook 2 more minutes. Add tomato paste and combine with onion & garlic. Add crushed tomatoes & spices. Once hot, turn heat to simmer & cover. Stir occasionally.

Top rolled out dough with sauce & desired toppings.

Bake @375* for 12-15 minutes. Top will brown slightly when done.