Breezy Morning

I am going to post a pizza crust recipe that I use that is easy and very tasty.  I will also share a recipe for a seasoned oil to brush the crust with before you bake it.


Pizza Crust

2 envelope packages of dry yeast
1 1/4 cups hot water  100 to 110 degrees is best per package instructions
1 tablespoon of honey
3 tablespoons of olive oil
3-4 cups of plain flour
pinch of salt

Dissolve the yeast in the water in mixing bowl of electric mixer with dough hook attachment.
Add honey and olive oil and pinch of salt. Stir to make sure all of the yeast is dissolved.
Then add 3 cups of flour and mix on low. Add additional flour in small measurements so dough does not stick to the sides of bowl. Continue to mix until the dough walks up the dough hook.
Then remove it from the mixing bowl onto a floured surface and kneed 10 to 12 times.
Place the dough in a bowl coated with olive oil. Roll the dough ball over to coat both sides with oil.
Set bowl aside in draft free area and cover with a dishtowel. Allow the dough to rise at room temperature for 30 min.

After 30 min I take the dough out of the bowl and divide it into 6 pieces, for 6 individual  8" pizzas.
I usually cook 2 for Wade and myself and place the remaining 4 pieces in plastic zip lock bags and store them in the refirgerator. They will stay fresh for several days in the refirgerator. Just remember to take them out about 30 min before you are ready to use them and let them warm to room temp.

Preheat oven to 400 degrees and oil a heavy cookie sheet.

Ok so it's time to spread the pizza dough out on a greased cookie sheet or pizza cooking stone.  Use your finger tips and push the dough into the desired shape. Coat the dough with the seasoned oil and add your favorite toppings, like fresh tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, sausage and mushrooms.

Place in center rack of 400 degree oven and Cook for about 15 to 20 min. or until golden brown.

Tips on layering pizza......

1. Always start with seasoned oil this will make crust crisp.
2. When you layer several toppings layer the meats or vegtables with cheese this will hold the toppings together better. I don't think it matters which comes first meat or vegtables. Just make a layer of meat and then cheese, layer of vegtables and then cheese etc.

Seasoned Oil

2 cups of Extra Virgin Olive Oil
4 cloves of garlic sliced thin
4 -5 sprigs of Fresh thyme
1 tablespoon of rosemary leaves
1 tablespoon of chopped basil leaves
1 tablespoon of crushed red pepper flakes

In small sauce pan mix all ingredients and bring to simmer over low heat. Cook on low for about 10 min. Remove from heat and set aside. I keep a small pint jar of this in the cabinet to season, pizza crust, and fresh chicken and pork chops with it. It's really good.