Whole-wheat Pizza

What can I say... Pizza is one of the most prized "need a quick convenience dinner" go-to options. Unfortunately, most delivery pizza contains WAY to much grease and unhealthy margarine/vegetable oils. Plus, cheap pizza is most likely NOT using quality 'fresh' ingredients (such as organic fruits/veggies & natural meats). Don't get me wrong, we still order our Larosa's occassionally, as I just need a break, and usually don't have all the toppings I want just laying around unless it's been planned for dinner. However, I've definitely changed what I put on my pizza (switched from bacon and pepperoni to adding a bunch of veggies/fruits). SOMETHING is better than just greasy meat, right?!

Making my own pizza has sure been a journey, but my hubby says I've finally gotten consistent with the crust, so I'm happy! I LOVE making it, especially since I can always count on leftovers - SCORE!

Plus, I'd take the taste of this pizza any day over delivery. So fresh, and exactly how I like it. What more can you ask for?

{NOTE: This recipe will yield 2 pizzas - which is perfect for us, as Elle & I share one and Chad gets his own creation. If you only need 1, use the other for leftovers or try freezing (?) I haven't tried freezing mine yet, so if you do, I'd love to know what you did & how it went! Or better yet, use the dough to make my Pizza Pockets!}

INGREDIENTS

• 1 cup warm water

• 2 tsp yeast (active dry yeast)

• 2 tsp sea salt

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 3 cups whole wheat flour (I use King Arthur's organic white whole-wheat flour)

• Tomato sauce

• Grated mozzarella cheese

• oregano (optional)

• Cooking oil spray

• Other desired toppings such as pineapple, natural sausage, nitrate-free bacon & pepperoni, mushrooms, vegetables, Parmesan cheese, pesto, goat cheese, arugula, olives, etc.

INSTRUCTIONS

• Drop the yeast into the 1-cup of warm water (I heat a cup of water in the microwave for 1 min) and let it go to work for a few minutes. It should foam up a little bit. Stir the salt and olive oil into the yeast mixture.

• Pour the flour and yeast mixture into a food processor with a dough blade or into a mixer with a dough hook and turn on the machine. (You can also mix up this dough by hand.)

• You should end up with a ball chasing itself around the food processor. If the dough is too dry add warm water a teaspoon at a time and if it is too wet add flour 1 teaspoon at a time.

• Remove the ball from your food processor and knead into a smooth ball. Cut in half (this will give you 2 pizza doughs)

• Put the doughs into large ziplock bags or bowls covered with plastic wrap (put a touch of olive oil in and coat the inside of the bag/bowl first) then leave for about 15-20 minutes. (I have actually used the dough right away before, as I was in a rush, and it turned out just fine, however if you have the time to let it sit, it's recommended to let the yeast rise).

• When ready to make the pizza preheat the oven to 500 degrees F. Use a rolling pin to roll it out into the desired shape (don't make it too thin!). Put the flat pizza dough on a baking sheet that has been sprayed with cooking oil.

• Scrunch the edges to make the 'crust'.

• Top the dough with homemade or organic tomato sauce, cheese and other toppings of your choice. If you choose to use oregano (which I highly suggest), then add right after you put the sauce on the crust, before the cheese. I load it on to give it some extra taste, per my hubby's request.

• Bake in an oven for about 10 min. or until crust and cheese are golden brown.

#pizza