How to Make Homemade Pizza

I know that everyone loves pizza; however, I am confident that no one loves it more than I do. I have experimented with making different kinds of pizza sauces and combining different toppings every time I make pizzas. I really do enjoy this particular pizza recipe and I hope you do too.

INGREDIENTS:

DOUGH:

Pam spray

fork

1 pkg. rapid rise yeast

3 1/2 cups all purpose flour

1 1/2 tbsp sugar

1 1/2 tsp salt

1 cup warm water

2 tbsp olive oil

16 inch pizza pan or crisper

2 skillets or 2 large pans

rolling pin

PIZZA SAUCE:

1 cup pizza sauce

1/2 cup tomato paste

1/2 tsp salt

1 tbsp sugar

1 tbsp olive oil

1/4 tsp oregano (optional)

TOPPINGS:

1 cup pineapple (chopped)

1 cup mushrooms

1 cup green peppers (sliced)

1 to 1 1/2 cup cheddar cheese

1/2 cup mozzarella cheese

1/2 tsp salt

PREPARATION DIRECTIONS:

DOUGH:

Step 1: In a large bowl, combine 3 cups flour, sugar, salt and mix well. Then gradually add warm water and olive oil to flour mixture.

Step 2: Knead flour for approximately 5 to 8 minutes or until flour peels away from wall of the bowl. If necessary add additional flour until dough falls off hand and sides of the bowl.

Step 3: Cover loosely with plastic wrap and put dough in a warm dark place to rest for approximately 10 to 15 minutes or until dough rises and becomes light and fluffy.

Step 4: Heat oven to 425 degrees F. Roll dough into a 16 inch circle and pinch the sides.

Step 5: Spray the bottom of the crisper or 16 inch pizza pan with Pam spray. Then place dough on 16 inch pizza pan or crisper.

Step 6: Then prick dough randomly with the fork. Once complete, put aside for approximately 10 minutes and let it rest.

TOPPINGS:

Step 7: In a large skillet or pan, add chopped mushrooms and sliced green peppers. Sprinkle 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1 tablespoon olive oil over mushrooms and green peppers. Then saute for approximately 5 minutes. Remove and pour off liquid. Then set aside.

PIZZA SAUCE:

Step 8: In a separate skillet or large pan pour 1 cup (store bought) pizza sauce, 1/2 cup tomato paste, 1 tablespoon sugar, 1 teaspoon salt, 1 tablespoon olive oil and 1/4 teaspoon oregano. Stir and let cook for approximately 8 to 10 minutes. Remove from stove and set aside. N.B.; if sauce is too thick, add 2 tablespoons water and stir.

Step 9: Prebake crust at 425 degrees F. for about 3 to 5 minutes. Remove from oven and begin dressing the dough.

Step 10: Spread pizza sauce over prebaked dough sparingly (or to your liking).

Step 11: Then sprinkle sauteed green peppers and mushrooms over prebaked pizza dough. Also add pineapple and top with shredded mixture of cheddar and mozzarella cheese.

Step 12: Place pizza in oven and bake at 425 degrees F. and bake for approximately 10 minutes.

Step 13: Remove from oven and serve. Bonne Appetite!

QUICK TIPS:

1. The oven or microwave is a great place to put the pizza dough.

2. I like to sprinkle the cheese over the toppings to hold them together.

3. Crispers are the better option for baking pizzas, because the pizza crust is crispier and crunchier.

4. Should yield 8 large pizza slices.

5. Add desired toppings. I love Jalapeno peppers on pizzas and sometimes just serving up a plain cheese pizza.

6. The time will vary depending on whether you use a pizza crisper or a pizza pan. Crispers require less time.

7. Season pizza sauce to taste.

8. Total preparation time is about 1 hour.