Anyone that is a parent, knows about "these weeks". It happens many many times over your parenting "career". I am having one this week, on a variety of levels and for a variety of issues. Regardless, after a week of (perfectly delicious) meals that my kids refused to touch, I am giving in tonight and making pizza.
I would order in the pizza however, our choices are both limited and for a lack of better words, disgusting and an outright disrespect to the name of pie. I know there are lots of recipes out there, but I find this one quick and easy, and satisfies those on the "team" that want thick crust, and those of us that want thin. Compromise, and lets face it, I (sadly) don't have Motorino's around the corner.
I have also purchased a nice big bottle of red which I may or may not share with the other half of my parenting "team". Will see how the rest of the day goes.
PIZZA
Note: this will make 4 pizza's (personal size) or 2 big ones.
4 cups four (if you can get high gluten/pizza flour then yeh!)
2 1/4 tsp. yeast (instant)
1 3/4 cup warm water (not hot)
1 tbs olive oil
1 heaping tsp. kosher salt
1 14 oz can diced tomatoes (Muir Glen are nice)
1 tbs olive oil
2-4 cups cheese (I like to mix mozzarella, provolone, and parm)
fresh basil (if you have dried, that's fine too)
Mix first 5 ingredients in a mixer with dough hook. If you are in an arid climate you may have to add a bit less of flour. You want the dough to come clean and ball up. Mix on low for 8 minutes until you have a smooth flexible dough. Put dough in a lightly oiled bowl, tightly covered. This can be done in the morning or at least an hour before using. If you make it the night before, put it in the fridge, then take it out in the morning, leaving it tightly covered.
Preheat oven to 500F at least 20 minutes before you are going to bake pies. If you have a stone - use it. Otherwise a dark sheet pan is fine too. If using a stone - your going to need a peel or back of a sheet pan to prepare your pie. Dust either with cornmeal or flour. Stretch out dough either with your fist or pin...depending on your expertise.
Meanwhile pulse tomatoes to be almost smooth. Top pie with pureed tomatoes, a drizzle of olive oil, cheese, and torn basil.
Bake pie for 10 minutes - maybe longer depending on thickness of crust and type of oven. Let sit for a minute out of the oven before slicing.
Other topping ideas: instead of using tomatoe sauce I use pesto or just sliced tomatoes.
