When you need an easy and affordable dinner, why not make your own pizza? It’s fun, healthy and only takes minutes. If you make the dough in advance, you can just pull it out of the refrigerator or freezer and have a hot pizza in no time.
Pizza dough is very easy to make. Just give it time to rise. That’s the key. Whole wheat pizza is also a good alternative to regular unbleached flour crust.
The toppings are endless when it comes to making your own pizza. Leftovers always make great toppings. Some healthier options are chopped chicken with some barbecue sauce and light cream cheese or grilled vegetables with some shredded provolone.
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Rustic Mushroom Pizza
Pizza dough
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1 ½ cups whole wheat flour
1 cup warm water
1 package active dry yeast
2 tsp. salt
2 tbsp. olive oil
1 ½ cups unbleached white flour
Toppings:
1 cup assorted mushrooms
½ red onion
1 green bell pepper
½ cup light ranch dressing
½ cup provolone cheese
1. In a stand mixer, or a large mixing bowl, stir together the yeast and warm water. Let sit for 5 minutes.
2. Add the flour, yeast, salt and oil and mix until it forms a smooth dough that you can touch without it being too sticky. You may have to add a little water at a time if a smooth ball of dough doesn’t form.
3. Place the dough on a floured board and knead for about five minutes.
4. Put the dough in a bowl coated with a small amount of olive oil and let rise for about two hours in a warm place. Place a towel or plastic wrap over dough.
5. When dough has risen, punch down and roll out into the shape of the pizza you want. Prick the dough with a fork all over. Let sit for 20 to 30 minutes.
6. Heat oven to 500ºF.
7. Meanwhile, sauté the onions and peppers in a pan with a little olive oil until soft. Put aside and turn the heat up on the pan and add the mushrooms. Sauté until lightly browned.
8. Place the pizza dough in the oven to precook. Cook until just baked, about 10 minutes.
9. Remove from oven and let cool a bit. Spread with ranch dressing, add the toppings and place back into the oven for approximately 15 to 20 minutes or until crust is browned and cheese is melted.
Try making your own pizza once in a while. It’s fun for the kids and a great family treat.
Stay safe and eat great Canton.
