Of all the food and recipes I have photographed, this ‘shoot‘ has to have been the most fun and pleasantly pleasing to the eye. The lighting was just incredible that day or maybe it was the lighting at that time of the day. The colors of the vegetables and tomato sauce came out so vibrant. The photos, I believe, tell a story of how you take something simple, made with care and love and it becomes SO MUCH MORE THAN FOOD. It’s can be a meal enjoyed with my special guy over a beer and club soda or a Happy Hour with friends before heading out for fun evening.
Pizza is a treat. Whether it is at your local pizzeria or you decide to make your own, for a simple dinner at home; it just means casual and fun. Pizza can also be an appetizer or Happy Hour Food. Consider a Sunday night Happy Hour with a few friends on the patio, a pizza pie cut into smaller squares and favorite drinks; catching up with a few friends you haven’t had a chance to get together with. this can be nothing fancy, as the food is secondary to those present...Here you go!
I like to make my own pizza dough. It’s easy and you probably have everything on hand. If that’s not your thing, pizza dough is available in the grocery store, usually in the freezer section or at some grocery stores, they carry it in the bakery-in a cooler in back, just ask. Add the topping you like best & omit the others. A friend prepared a bar cart with a variety of herbs, cheese & toppings when we were invited to help them try out their new pizza oven, a Breville appliance from Williams Sonoma. I made mine last night on a pizza pan in the oven, however, either is a good option. The pizza oven will cook the pizza in a little less than 10 minutes, where as the the oven at a high temp will take about 15 minutes, taking the pizza out of the standard oven a couple minutes early to add the cheeses and then baking for the additional 2 minutes or so. Times of course are approximates, depending on your oven settings. Make pizza a couple of times and you’ll have it all figured out, just remember to take notes on your phone or in your kitchen notebook, so you remember for next time. Both the pizza for dinner with the Hubby and then with Friends after dinner for drinks both were a hit. So, start thinking when you’ll be whipping up a pizza and make plans....
RECIPE
Dough (I use a bread maker. Place ingredients in the bread maker in the order listed. It makes a difference, especially in the newer bread machines). This will make three balls of dough that will make a pizza I cooked on a 15 inch pie pan.
Dough Ingredients
2 cups warm water-I warm water in a tea kettle.
1 Tablespoon honey
2 Tablespoons olive oil
1 3/4 teaspoons yeast
1 1/2 teaspoons Kosher salt
5 1/4 cups unbleached flour
While Dough is in machine, assemble all toppings. Turn on oven to 475 degrees about 30 minutes before dough is completed. You want to place the pizza into in a very hot oven.
Toppings
1 -15 ounce can of tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes
Olive oil
Assorted thinly sliced bell peppers in desired colors
Mini tomatoes, halved
Thinly sliced onions, I like red/purple onions because of the color
Prosciutto
Grated either Parmesan/Romano/Pecorino Cheese or a combo
Package of shredded Mozzarella cheese
Fresh basil and oregano leaves
Salt/pepper/red pepper flakes
1. After all ingredients are in bread pan in above order, turn on dough mode. When done, remove from bread machine, turn out onto a lightly floured pastry cloth or surface-don’t add too much flour, it will make your dough dry and tough. Divide into three balls. If not using all three, place individually into a larger plastic bag, it will continue to rise even after in fridge. Store for a few days in the fridge or give to a friend. You may be able to freeze, however, I have not, because I just use it all.
2. Shape onto a pizza pan or cookie sheet that is lightly brushed with olive oil and sprinkled with corn meal. It will take some stretching and shaping. Make a little thicker rim for a crust on the perimeter.
3. Poke holes in the crust randomly with a fork.
4. Spoon out tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes desired amount.
5. Sprinkle a little salt, a few red pepper flakes and some freshly ground black pepper to taste. Go easy.
6. Add additional toppings except for cheeses.
7. Bake for 13 minutes.
8. Remove from oven and add grated Parmesan/Romano/Pecorino then add the shredded Mozzarella cheese, desired amount.
9. Bake approximately an additional 2 minutes.
10. Remove from oven. Let stand for a couple of minutes and use a Pizza Cutter to slice. Make larger pie shaped slices for dinner and smaller squares for appetizers...Buon Appetito!
