Keeping Creative Kitchens #12

I'm not quite on the ball today. :) I did plan a post a couple of days ago but didn't get it actually written which while helpful didn't help me with getting this up last night. :) Anyway...

One of our favorite things is having homemade pizza! It's not only creative but it can be on the table from scratch in 30 min. So, it's super quick and I usually have all the ingredients on hand. I told you last week about letting the kids help top it or doing individual ones with their own "signature" toppings. You can also use the same dough recipe and make calzones.

My personal favorite toppings are ground beef, onion, tomato and mushroom or Hawaiian - neither are Andrew's favorite so I don't make them too often. :) He prefers ham, bacon, pepperoni (we rarely have this), or sausage as the meat. We all like just plain cheese or vegetarian. I try to use up the vegetables and leftover ingredients. I've made meatball pizza, greek pizza (actually on pitas w/olive oil, mozzarella, feta, and gyros meat), used pasta sauce, and just generally tried to be open minded when approaching pizza night. :)

Here is the basic crust recipe which I adapted slightly from moneysavingmom. I'm also including few alternative ideas that make it great!

PIZZA DOUGH
1 Tbsp. active dry yeast
1 cup warm water (105 to 115 degrees F.)
1 tsp. sugar
1 tsp. salt
2 Tbsp. olive oil
2 1/2 cups flour

Dissolve the yeast in the water. Add the rest of the ingredients in and mix (I use a stand mixer). Knead the dough by hand (about 5 min.) or in the mixer (about 3 min.). Let dough rest for 3-5 min. (I make my sauce at this point). Roll out and press onto a pizza stone or greased pizza pan. Add toppings. Bake at 450 degrees F. for 12-15 minutes until the crust looks crispy and lightly browned.

Alternatives (use any or all): Add 1/4 c. parmesan cheese to the crust. Add 2 tsp. Italian seasoning. Add part or all whole wheat flour (this makes it healthier!). Brush crust with extra virgin olive oil when it some out of the oven which softens the crust and adds a nice shine.

PIZZA SAUCE
1 - 8 oz. can tomato sauce
1 - 8 oz. can tomato paste
1 clove fresh garlic, minced
2-3 tsp. Italian or Pizza Seasoning
1/2 tsp. salt

Combine all ingredients and spread on the crust. Top with desired toppings. Refrigerate any leftover sauce and use within 1 week.

Alternatives (use any or all): Use fresh basil (2-3 Tb.) - I do this in the summer! Add other fresh herbs- oregano is especially good. Add 1/4 c. parmesan cheese. Omit tomato paste (for a thinner sauce). Add 1 tsp. sugar for slight sweetness.

You can also use prepared BBQ sauce, a white sauce, or no sauce at all.

Pizza night is easy, fun, and almost never the same way twice. It's always hot and very fresh - not always the case with delivery. It saves us money and allows us to enjoy one of our favorite foods more often - we probably have it 2 or 3 times a month. We do order pizza delivery occasionally or pick up a take-and-bake pizza but we genuinely like homemade as well or better than most take out. Give it a try!

I do have pictures but can't get them uploaded at the moment - I'll try to get to them later. Otherwise you'll just have to take my word for it!

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1) Leave a link to your post with Mr. Linky (I am fully aware that there will probably not be many - or any :) - participants but I think this will make participation easier!).
2) Your entry can include a new recipe (either your own creation or a new-to-you-recipe), favorite recipe, success, tablescape/centerpiece, short-cut, ingredient, tradition, book, magazine, tool or gadget, food photos, recipe website or any thing else that keeps you inspired in your kitchen.
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Hope you have fun, meet new people, learn a few things, feel encouraged, and find inspiration as you prepare meals, care for your family, and entertain!