Homemade pizza

Here's my Friday recipe!

Homemade Pizza

Ingredients:
2 1/2 to 3 cups all-purpose flour
1 tbsp sugar
1 tsp salt
1 package regular or quick active dry yeast (about 2 1/4 tsp if you're measuring)
3 tbsp olive oil
1 cup warm water (between 120 to 130 degrees)

How To:

Mix 1 cup flour, sugar, salt, and yeast in large bowl. Add olive oil and water. Beat with electric mixer on medium speed for 3 minutes, scraping the bowl frequently. Stir in remaining flour until dough is soft and leaves sides of bowl. Place dough on lightly floured surface and knead 5 to 8 minutes, or until dough is smooth and springy. Cover loosely with plastic wrap and let rest 30 minutes. Here's where things get interesting...

For thin crust: Heat oven to 425. Grease cookie sheet or 12 inch pizza pan with olive oil. Pat onto sheet and bake 7-8 minutes or until crust just starts to brown. Add toppings, then put back in oven and bake for 8-10 more minutes.

For thick crust: Grease pan with oil. Sprinkle with cornmeal. Pat dough into bottom of pan and cover loosely with plastic wrap. Let rise in a warm place for 30 to 45 minutes or until almost double. Move oven rack to lowest position. Heat oven to 375. Partially bake 20 to 22 minutes, or until crust just begins to brown. Add toppings, then put back in oven and bake an additional 20 minutes, or until cheese is melted.

*The thin crust is way easier and less time-consuming than the thick crust, so you can imagine why I always make that one! Plus, who the hell has cornmeal just lying around?? Also, I never use pizza sauce- instead, I use petite diced tomatoes. It gives it a fresher taste and you can control which spices and how much you want.

Some yummy pizza topping ideas:

Grilled chicken with yellow peppers
Chopped ham and pineapple
Tomatoes, fresh sliced mozzerella, and fresh basil (yummy margherita-style)