Pizza

I've been making this recipe for at least 10 years. It typically takes me about 2 hours from start to finish. There is another variant of this recipe where you can make a braided pizza. The next time I make a braided pizza I'll take very good pictures and put those instructions up on the blog. :)

Start with the sauce.

INGREDIENTS

2 1/2 T olive oil

4 oz. finely chopped onions

2 1/2 t. finely chopped garlic

2 1/2 lbs. Plum tomatoes

2 T. tomato puree

2 1/2 t. dried oregano

2 1/2 t. fresh basil, finely cut

1 bay leaf

2 t. sugar

2 1/2 t. salt

ground pepper to taste

DIRECTIONS

In a medium sized sauce pan heat the oil and cook the onion over medium heat stirring frequently for 7-8 minutes or until soft and transparent. Add the garlic and cook for another 2 minutes stirring constantly. Add the rest of the ingredients and bring to a boil. Once boiling, turn the heat very low and simmer uncovered, stirring occasionally for about an hour. Remove the bay leaf. If you want a smoother sauce you can pour sauce into blender.

While the sauce is cooking begin with the dough. By all means you can buy a pre-made dough, I like to make mine from scratch. I always have a hard time rolling out pre-made dough. Homemade dough is easier to manipulate.

INGREDIENTS

2 1/2 to 3 c. Flour

1 pkg. active dry yeast

1 t. salt

1 c. warm water

2 T. oil

DIRECTIONS

In large mixing bowl combine 1 1/4 c. of flour, the yeast and salt. Stir in the warm water. Beat at low speed with mixer. Stir in as much of the remaining dough as you can mix with a spoon. Turn dough onto lightly floured counter top and kneed in enough of the remaining flour to make a smooth and elastic dough (6-8 minutes). Place dough in a large bowl and cover bowl with a warmed wet towel and let rest for 10 minutes.

Preheat oven to 475.

Roll the dough out and place on your pizza pan. Using a fork and poke holes in several areas of the dough. Place dough in oven and bake for approximately 10 minutes. Check often as ovens vary. You want a dough that is cooked, but not brown.

Next, spoon your sauce on your pizza and cover with your desired toppings. Bake for approximately 10 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbly.

Enjoy!