Friday Night Pizza

Different forms of flatbread have been eaten throughout the world for centuries, but modern pizza comes from the city of Naples in Italy. Choose your favorite toppings for a homemade pizza dough

Ingredients:

1 tbsp. active dry yeast

1 tsp. sugar OR honey

1½ cups warm water

3 tbsp. cooking oil (olive oil compliments the flavors well)

1 tsp. salt

2½ cups all-purpose flour

2 cups whole-wheat flour

16 ounces mozzarella, coarsely grated

1-2 16 oz. jars tomato sauce

Suggested Oven Toppings: Caramelized onions, diced bell peppers, sliced tomatoes, rosemary, oregano, sliced mushrooms, crumbled feta, spinach, arugula

Equipment:

2 large sheet pans
Measuring cups and spoons
Large bowl
Wooden spoon
Kitchen towel
Oven

Ingredients:

1 tbsp. active dry yeast

1 tsp. sugar OR honey

1½ cups warm water

3 tbsp. cooking oil (olive oil compliments the flavors well)

1 tsp. salt

2½ cups all-purpose flour

2 cups whole-wheat flour

16 ounces mozzarella, coarsely grated

1-2 16 oz. jars tomato sauce

Suggested Oven Toppings: Caramelized onions, diced bell peppers, sliced tomatoes, rosemary, oregano, sliced mushrooms, crumbled feta, spinach, arugula

Equipment:

2 large sheet pans
Measuring cups and spoons
Large bowl
Wooden spoon
Kitchen towel
Oven

Directions:

  1. Prepare dough by adding the all-purpose flour, sugar and yeast to a large bowl and stir to combine.
  2. Add the warm water and mix with a wooden spoon for 3-4 minutes.
  3. Mix in the salt and the whole wheat flour, one cup at a time. The dough should become too difficult to mix with the spoon.
  4. Dump the dough onto a clean, lightly floured surface. Knead it with your hands until it becomes smooth and does not stick to your fingers, about 10 minutes.
  5. Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl and cover with a damp cloth. Let the dough rise for 30-40 minutes.
  6. Once the dough has risen, preheat the oven to 425°F. Divide dough in half and place each half onto a lightly oiled pan and spread out the edges with your hands to form a thin crust.
  7. Spread tomato sauce over the crust, leaving a 1-inch rim. Top with cheese and other toppings of your choice.
  8. Ask for an adult’s help to place the pizzas in the preheated oven, and bake for 15-20 minutes, until the crust is golden brown, the cheese is bubbling and the toppings are cooked.