The Baking Witchy Momma: Pizza!

So lately I've really enjoyed cooking again. Last week we made our own pizzas.  I have to say they came out better than any pizza we could buy. And so much cheaper in the end too! Ever only get a couple of toppings because you don't want to pay the pizza man 50+ dollars for everyone to get every topping they want? I normally only get a pepperoni pizza which is fine, its one of my favorites. But I have had to sacrifice my tastes so other family members can get what they want, and we still be able to afford getting the pizza.

My Pepperoni & Cheese Pizza for lunch

With baking there's no compromise so I love it. :) 

At lunch I made my "test" pizza. OK I was just hungry and craving pizza. But it was a good excuse. It came out great! The lunch pizza was only pepperoni and cheese. But the one I made for dinner I had pretty much everything I like on it.

I have to say, the TV makes the throwing pizza dough in the air and twirling it look easy. Its really not! I guess I need to make more pizza to practice.

The recipe I followed is:

• 1 package active dry yeast
• 1 cup warm (Not hot) water. 
• 1 tbsp sugar

Proof the yeast for 5 minutes

• Add 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tbsp oil. The recipe I was following said to use olive oil. But I didn't have that so I used vegetable oil. 
• Pinch of salt

• Mix until dough is a ball. You may need to add more dough as you mix.
• After you have your dough ball, Knead.
• Coat the top of the dough with oil. (So the dough doesn't crack). 
• Allow to rise. Approximately 1 - 1 1/2 hrs. If your home is cooler place dough in a warm area. My favorite place is in our gas oven while its off. The pilot light keeps the oven temperature slightly warm so it won't bake but allows the dough to rise faster. 
• After dough is double its original size, punch it down and knead again. 

• On a lightly floured surface, roll out your dough to the size you wish. 
• Place it on your pan and cut breathing holes in the dough. (This is so the dough will remain flat on the bottom). 

• Add your sauce and toppings
• Butter the outer crust of your pizza.
• Bake at 350 for approx 10-15 minutes or until the bottom of the dough is a light brown. 

Time may vary depending on your oven.

If you want to make a yummy desert pizza, instead of normal pizza toppings add a can of pie filling on top and bake. You can fold the pizza dough over to make a little pocket for it. My favorite to use is apple.

Enjoy!