Personalized Pizza for Everyone!

Almost everybody’s favorite – PIZZA! This can be made as vegetarian or non-vegetarian as you choose, and fat content can be controlled through your choice of cheeses for the topping. Use this merely as a starting point for making pizza the way you like it.

For the crust:
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 packages (1 Tbs) active dry yeast
1/2 cup warm water
1 tablespoon olive oil
For the sauce:
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/4 cup finely chopped onion
2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
1 16 oz can Italian style tomatoes
1 tablespoon tomato paste
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon sugar
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste

Toppings:
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Assorted vegetables (mushrooms, olives, artichoke hearts, bell peppers, etc.) of your choice

To make the crust, sift together the flour and salt. Dissolve the yeast in the warm water in a mixing bowl. Add the olive oil, flour, and salt. Turn onto a lightly floured surface and knead until smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl and allow to rise until double in volume.

Meanwhile, heat the oil for the sauce in a sauce pan over moderate heat. Add the onions and garlic and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring frequently. Do not brown. Puree the tomatoes and their juice in an electric blender and add to the onions, along with the remaining sauce ingredients. Bring to a boil, reduce the heat, and simmer uncovered, stirring occasionally, for about 1 hour, until thick.

When the dough has doubled in bulk, punch it down and place on a lightly floured surface. Allow to rest for 10 minutes before rolling into a 12 inch circle. Spread the sauce over the top, followed by the cheeses and additional toppings of your choice.

Note: If topping with sausage, be sure to brown the sausage before putting on the pizza. Place on a pizza pan or baking sheet and bake in a preheated 450 degree oven for 15 to 20 minutes, until the edge of the crust is brown and the cheese is melted in the center.

Makes one 12 inch pizza.

Category: Food Fitness