Pizza

Pizza may be simple, but it is delicious. My friend Jan & I both use the same recipe for pizza dough, but not long ago I sat at her kitchen island as she showed me a new idea she had gotten from her daughter for the topping. I thought it was a clever idea, and would share it with you.
Pizza Dough:

1 1/4 cups warm water

-1 tsp sugar

-1 tbsp yeast

-2 tbsp oil

-1 tsp salt

-3-4 cups flour

Put very warm water in a bowl and stir in sugar. Sprinkle yeast on top and let stand for 10 minutes. Put oil, salt and 3 cups flour in a larger bowl and pour yeast mixture in. Stir together and then using your hands knead, adding as much of the remaining flour as needed to get a smooth soft dough. Roll out dough and place in greased pans. Allow to rise until doubled. (you can use all the dough in a large cookie sheet or use 2 smaller sheets to 2 pizza pans.)

Once the dough has risen (about 1/2 hour) spread with 213 ml size pizza sauce. (or any tomato sauce you have)

Tip: After greasing pans you can sprinkle with corn meal for a crispier crust.

Toppings: In the picture above you will see the Tupperware container filled with meat and spices. Pizza toppings can vary, but for this recipe Jan used a variety of deli meats. (for this size recipe use about 3-4 cups of chopped meat. Her daughter's tip was to buy any deli meat that you like and chop it up fine when you get home, add the following ingredients, and put in the fridge until ready to use, or freeze for later use. The flavors have time to really blend, and you have all the prep work done...and why not pre grate your cheese too.

Add:

-1 tsp oregano

-1/2 tsp garlic powder

-1 tsp basil

-1/2 tsp pepper

-if you want some heat add 1 tsp red pepper flakes

-1/4 cup Parmesan cheese

Shake the meat mixture together well.

On top of the pizza sauce sprinkle the meat mixture and then top with 2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese. Before adding the cheese you can add pineapple, onions, olives, feta and peppers.

Bake pizzas in 425º oven for about 15-20 minutes.

Allow pizza to sit for 5 minutes before you cut into it. This allows the moisture in the toppings to settle. Jan completed the meal with veggies and dip. Your family will love it!