Pizza Dough and Sauce

I love pizza! I could literally eat it just about everyday. I like it with all different types of sauces (tomato sauce, BBQ sauce, Alfredo sauce, pesto, etc), and different kinds of toppings. Some of which might sound strange to put on a pizza, but I personally like them. What? You don't put banana peppers and dried cranberries on your pizza? That's odd...



This dough is simple to make, and easy to work with. You can knead by hand, or you can use the hook attachment on your stand mixer. Whichever you fancy! I'm serious about those toppings though...use your imagination, and try out something new. You might discover a new favorite!

Pizza Dough and Sauce
Adapted from Food.com
Makes one large pizza

For the dough:

1/2 tablespoon yeast
3/4 cup warm water
Pinch of sugar (or honey sucanat)
1 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons oil
2 cups flour (or 10 oz Hard White wheat flour)

For the sauce:

1 (6 oz) can tomato paste
1/2 cup water
1 teaspoon oregano
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
1 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon sugar (or honey sucanat)
1 tablespoon oil

In a large bowl, sprinkle the yeast over warm water. Add sugar. Allow to sit about 5 minutes, until it starts to foam.

Stir in the salt and oil. Gradually mix in the flour.

Knead dough until smooth and slightly elastic, about 8-10 minutes. Place dough in a greased bowl. Cover and allow to double in size (about 30 - 60 minutes). Punch down, and allow to rise again until doubled. Shape dough on a pizza pan. (I sprinkle a little flour on the pan first).

Bake crust for about 10 minutes. Remove crust from oven and top with sauce* and toppings. Return to the oven and bake an additional 15-20 minutes, or until cheese is bubbly and beginning to brown.

*For the sauce: Stir together all sauce ingredients until well blended. Enjoy!