Easy-peasy Pizza

It turns out that homemade pizza is actually quite easy to make! It only takes a bit longer and a bit more effort than a frozen pizza, and the results are well worth the relatively minimal effort.

Dough
3 tsp instant yeast
1.5 c warm water
3 T olive oil
1 tsp salt
2.5 c white flour
2 c whole wheat flour

1. Dissolve the yeast into the warm water. Add the oil and salt. Stir.


2. Add the flours (or just add 4.5 c of white flour). Stir until a rough dough forms.



3. Turn it out onto a lightly floured countertop. Knead by hand until it forms a smooth dough, about 5 min.



4. Pour a tablespoon or so of olive oil in the bowl. Return the dough to the bowl, turning gently so it gets coated with the olive oil. Let rise about 30-40 minutes.



Pizza

5. Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 425. Also, prepare your toppings. You could caramelize an onion, chop up some bell peppers, cut some fresh tomatoes, grate some cheese, etc. Whatever suits your fancy. Just be sure to keep the tasty toppings out of the reach of any kitchen "helpers."


6. About 30-40 minutes later, your dough will be risen and puffy.


7. Cut the dough into two pieces. Spread 1/2 the dough out onto a sheet of parchment paper. Pre-bake this crust (on a baking stone) for about 5-8 minutes. (This keeps the dough from getting too soggy when you add the sauce.) It helps to use an inverted cookie sheet to help transfer the dough to and from the baking stone.


8. Once the crust has firmed up a bit, add your toppings. I added some of Mike's homemade "diablo" tomato sauce (yum!!), pepperoni, mozzarella, parmesan, and a sprinkle of herbs/seasonings.



9. Bake another 10-15 minutes. The crust will be golden brown, and the cheese will be melted. Enjoy!


Note: If you don't want to make the second pizza right away, you can pre-bake the second crust for about 5-8 minutes, then let cool. Store, wrapped tightly in plastic wrap, for up to 5 days in the fridge. When you're ready for the pizza later, just bring the crust to room temperature while the oven preheats. The top and bake the remaining 10-15 minutes.