Wholesome Pizza

Thinking of ordering some pizza?  Sure takeout pizza is quick but on average when compared with homemade it has more calories and can be expensive.  Did you know a national brand takeout will contain around 550 calories for two slices!  Homemade pizza will contain roughly 350 calories for two slices.  This recipe will give you a healthier, cheaper, and delicious alternative.  The aroma of this pizza dough is AMAZING!!  It is unforgettable and memorable to which your senses will want to come back to again and again.  The Italian herb mix is the secret!  The garlicky sauce is just right, not too overwhelming and yet has a kick to it.  Don't let the number of ingredients in this pizza scare you off!  For toppings I used red onions, black olives, baby mushrooms, tomatoes, and cheese: Daiya (mozzarella).   

Pizza Dough

©      2 teaspoons Dry Active Yeast

©      300 mls Warm Water (100-110 degrees F)

©      1 teaspoon Salt

©      1 teaspoon Italian Herb Mix (recipe to follow)

©      1 tablespoon Sugar

©      1 cup Whole Wheat Flour

©      1 cup All-Purpose Flour (use additional 1/2 cup if needed)

©      Olive Oil

Toppings of Choice

Italian Herb Mix

©      1 teaspoon Garlic powder

©      1 teaspoon Salt

©      1 teaspoon Hot Pepper flakes

©      1 teaspoon Rosemary -fresh if possible

©      1 teaspoon Thyme -fresh if possible

©      1 teaspoon Onion powder

©      1 teaspoon Onion flakes

©      1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper

©      2 teaspoons Sugar

Tomato Sauce

©      1 can (8oz) Tomato Sauce

©      2 tablespoon Parmesan Cheese

©      1 tablespoon fresh ground Garlic

©      2 teaspoons of Italian Herb Mix

Directions: 
1.  Prepare the tomato sauce:  mix well and allow the ingredients to "marry" in the refrigerator for at least 20 minutes. *The sauce is a bit spicy: if preparing for younger children, leave a few tablespoons of the plain Tomato Sauce and allow them to create their own "mini pizza!"

My son helping out :-)

2.  Prepare the Italian Herb Mix by mixing all the ingredients together.  This can also be done ahead of time: keep in an air time container.

3.  Prepare the crust in your mixer bowl using the dough hook.  Or simply knead the dough by hand. 

4.  Using a whisk, combine dry Yeast and warm water.  Let stand for a couple of minutes.  Add salt, Italian Herb Mix, and sugar; mix well and allow to stand for a couple of minutes.

5.  Add flour and knead until an elastic ball forms.  Transfer the dough into an oiled bowl, cover with oiled clear plastic.

6.  Place in a turned OFF Oven with lights ON to let it double in size.  Knead the dough down, and allow to double in size again if time allows.

7.  Roll out the dough into a circle or square, who said pizza has to be round :-)  Make thick or thin crust.  Brush the rolled out crust with Olive Oil, spread Tomato Sauce, sprinkle with cheese, add desired toppings and finish off with a layer of cheese. 

8.  Bake at 450 degrees F until cheese starts to turn slightly golden, about 20-35 minutes:  longer time is needed if you are using meat toppings   

My son's mini pizza.

I hope this will encourage you to try a homemade pizza and have fun making it!  Save money and invest in your health!  May you and your loved ones be well nourished!

Italian Herb Mix inspired by Chef Tomatza