Pizza and a Future Project

Last night we had pizza for dinner. I thought I would try and be all Pioneer Womanesque and give you a little tutorial. BTW, my hubby and kiddos would so rather eat homemade pizza than delivery:)







First, I mix up the sauce (yes, I even make my own sauce).

- 1 6oz can of tomato paste
- 6oz lukewarm water (or 1 6oz tomato paste can filled with lukewarm water)
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 1/2 tsp sea salt
- 1 tsp oregano
- 1 tsp basil
- 1 tsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder

These measurements are just an approximation, as I am one of those annoying people who just dump things in until they look/taste right.

Once you have everything in a bowl, whisk it up and let it set out for about an hour, or until the flavors have time to mesh.



Now the fun (not so fun) part! The crust.

I use Jay's Signature Pizza Crust recipe from allrecipes.com (I tried to post the link, but was unable due to a SLOW computer).





First I proof (let the yeast set in very warm water for 10 minutes with a little sugar) the yeast in the bowl of my Kitchen Aid stand mixer. It will look bubbly, which means that the yeast is active.





Next, I add the flour. I like to add 3 cups, then attach the dough hook to my mixer and start er up.





After about a minute it will mix up into a sticky mess. I slowly add more flour at this point.






Add flour until the dough pulls away from the side of the bowl, and is not sticking any longer. Like in the above picture.

At this point I continue to let the mixer knead the dough for about 3 or 4 more minutes, adding a tiny bit more flour if the dough still wants to stick.


The next step is to grease a medium size bowl with olive oil. I like to use A LOT, or else the dough sticks the bowl. Transfer the dough from the mixer bowl to the greased bowl, and flip it over a few times to make sure the whole ball of dough is covered in oil. Cover the bowl with a clean towel or a loose piece of plastc wrap, and set it in a warm place to rise. (I turn my oven on and set it on top of the stove.)








After about an hour, the dough will be doubled in size.







Punch it down and form it into a tight ball.

Now, grease your pizza pan (I use a sheet cake pan) with olive oil.








Place dough on the pan.








Spread the dough evenly over the entire surface. This part really stinks, because the dough is elastic and sticky, and wants to pull away from the edge, so be patient.

This will result in a thick, soft crust!

I return the pan to the top of the stove and let it set for another twenty minutes(uncovered).


At this point you may want to crank the oven up to 425 degrees, which is what it will need to bake at.






Meanwhile, I chop my veggies and fry up my sausage.






After the dough has risen a tad more on the pan, spread the sauce onto the crust, top with a pound of mozzarella, and add whatever toppings you desire.

Pop that yummy sucker into the oven for about 20 to 25 minutes, or until nice and golden and bubbly.


Viola!!!







Delicious homemade pizza! Free of preservatives (if you use organic pepperoni and sausage), lower in saturated fats and much tastier than delivery.




Now...A sneek peek at an upcoming project.



My husband scored this bedside table from a customer who wanted it thrown away. Can you believe it?!!! It is made of SOLID wood (at least the back and sides of the drawers) and is very sturdy. I think a certain little girl will love it in her bedroom. But first it needs a little TLC (perhaps a new coat of paint...spring green, or maybe lavender?). You'll have to wait and see.


Jessie