HOMEMADE PIZZA CRUST(J&GKING)

This is a family favorite for me and Josh. I am not a huge pizza person, but when it is homemade it makes all the difference. Don't take our word for it, try it.


left side: no meat pizza w/pesto sauce (great w/chicken)
right side: sausage, pepperoni, bell peppers w/tomato sauce

Pizza Crust
The crust is best if done on a pizza stone, but it is optional.

Ingredients:
1 packet active dry yeast
3/4 cup warm water
2 1/2 cup plus 1/2 cup for working all-purpose flour
1 1/4 tsp. salt
2 Tbs. extra-virgin olive oil

Dissolve yeast in water. Set aside and allow mixture to begin to bubble (foam). (about 10 mins.)
In large bowl stir together flour & salt. Form into mound in bowl with hole in the middle. Add yeast mixture into the hole. Use a fork & stir in a circular motion. Stir until dough consistency.
Lightly flour workspace. It's best if you put down some wax paper. Knead the dough until smooth and elastic. Be careful not to over-knead. If you do the dough won't rise. It's like beating up the yeast.
Brush a large bowl w/ olive oil & place the dough in the bowl. Cover w/ plastic wrap & let rise until double in size. 1-2 hours.
Use work space to knead dough in the desired shape.
Transfer dough to pizza stone or cookie sheet. Top as desired.
Bake @ 350 for about 15 minutes.


Josh and I like to top our pizza with Tomato Basil pasta sauce, pepperoni, bell peppers and sausage. There are times that we have had Chicken Pesto Pizza which is another favorite. Just use pesto pasta sauce and top with grilled chicken and bell peppers.

The picture posted is of a half and half pizza. One side is tomato sauce and the other is pesto. We love the variation without having to cook two pizzas for just two people. It keeps everyone happy.