Pizza Recipes

I've been forgoing our normal pizza take-out over the last month for homemade pizza dough and our own toppings. Its yummy, fresh from the oven, easy, and healthier than getting it at the store. For just a little extra prep and a little forethought, you can do it too! This recipe comes out of a cookbook I've had for about 10 years! Its called Pizza by James McNair. You can still get it at Amazon.

I make either the regular pizza crust or the whole wheat. Both recipes are delicious and enjoyed by everyone in my house.

Basic Pizza Dough-
1 tbsp. granulated sugar
1 c warm water
1 envelope active dry yeast
3 1/4 c all-purpose flour
1 tsp. salt
1/4 c olive oil

Whole Wheat Pizza Dough-
Everything above, but exchange 2 c of all purpose flour for 2 c whole-wheat flour

Dissolve sugar in water and mix in yeast. Allow yeast and water to sit for 5 minutes. mixture should be light beige with a film on the top when its ready. I use my kitchen aid with the paddle attachment. You can also use your hands. Mix flour, olive oil, yeast mixture, salt and olive oil (except 1/4 c of flour) together. Dough should be soft, but not sticky. If its still sticky, add the last 1/4 c of flour. If its not very soft, add a little more water (1 tbsp at a time)

Add a little more olive oil to the bowl and place the dough in the bowl. Turn to coat dough with a layer of oil. Lightly cover with plastic wrap and allow to rise for 45 min-1 1/2 hours.

Cover with your favorite toppings and bake at 500 for 10 minutes. I always preheat the pizza stone with the oven and put the pizza in using a pizza peel dusted with cornmeal.

Easy pizza sauce recipe:
1 can tomato sauce
2 tbsp fresh herbs (I use basil, rosemary, and oregano from my garden)

Simmer in a sauce pan on low for about 20-30 minutes until it thickens.