Pizza

BASIC PIZZA

Read the ingredients and directions all the way through first, then begin cooking

Part 1: Crust (makes one 16” pizza)

CRUST INGREDIENTS:

Approximately 3 C bread flour (This changes with the type of flour, humidity… sorry. Deal with it!)

1 C warm water (105-115f)

1 T olive oil

2 ¼ t quick acting yeast (one packet)

See Getting Started for basic bread making instructions. Let the dough rest for at least 10 minutes before shaping. Shape into a circle and flatten with your knuckles until it is about 8-10 inches in diameter. Continue to roll out into a circle (16 inches) will a rolling pin. (If you know how to toss dough, feel free) Place onto your lightly oiled* pizza pan and top with Sauce.

Part 2: Basic Sauce (makes enough for 2 16” pizzas)

SAUCE INGREDIENTS:

1 15 ½ oz can of tomato sauce

1 T dried basil

3-4 T dried chives

2 t dried oregano

½ – ¾ t thyme

½ t red pepper flakes

1 clove of fresh garlic, minced (or ¼ t dried—1/2 t powdered)

2-3 T balsamic vinegar (store brand, don’t waste the really good stuff here)

TOPPINGS:

2 C shredded part skim mozzarella

2 t olive oil

Mix all the ingredients together (except the mozzarella and olive oil). Can be made way in advance. (Just know that if you do this, the sauce will really thicken up, but it can be used the same as if it were made the same day—it just looks “funny”)

Pre-heat oven to 450f and set rack on lowest level . Roll out dough. Place it on your pan at this point.** Pour the 2 t of olive oil onto the crust and spread it out to the edges. (Use a pastry brush if you don’t want to get your hands oily.) Pour or ladle half the sauce onto the dough and spread to within ¾ “of edge. Sprinkle on your cheese.*** Put in the oven and bake until the cheese is starting to go golden brown.

Approximately 15 minutes. Take out of the oven and serve immediately. (Or your crust will steam and be chewy instead of crispy)

Makes approximately 6-8 normal (non-dieter) servings.

* cooking spray works fine

**If you try to put your “loaded” crust onto the pan, the mess will be awesome.

***If you add extra toppings, you will probably have to add extra baking time. Don’t walk away from the kitchen!