“The Art of Pizza”: A Homemade Masterpiece from Scratch….

1. Pizza Dough

Ingredients:

• 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour

• 1 tsp sugar

• 1 packet (2 ¼ tsp) active dry yeast

• 1 ½ tsp salt

• 1 ¼ cups warm water (about 110°F or 43°C)

• 1 tbsp olive oil

Instructions:

1. Activate the yeast:

   • In a small bowl, mix the warm water with sugar and yeast. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until the yeast becomes foamy.

2. Make the dough:

   • In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt.

   • Pour in the yeast mixture and olive oil, then stir with a wooden spoon until a dough begins to form.

3. Knead the dough:

   • Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, add small amounts of flour as needed.

4. First rise:

   • Form the dough into a ball and place it in a lightly oiled bowl. Cover with a clean towel or plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm spot for about 1–1.5 hours, or until it doubles in size.

5. Punch down and portion:

   • Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Divide it into 2 equal portions for two pizzas (or more if you prefer smaller ones).

6. Shape the dough:

   • Roll or stretch each dough ball into a round shape (about 10-12 inches in diameter) on a lightly floured surface. You can use your hands for a more rustic look or a rolling pin for an even thickness.

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2. Pizza Sauce Ingredients:

• 1 can (15 oz) crushed tomatoes

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 1 small onion, finely chopped

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tsp dried oregano

• 1 tsp dried basil

• 1 tsp sugar (optional, to balance acidity)

• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Sauté the aromatics:

   • Heat the olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 3–5 minutes, or until softened.

   • Add the garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.

2. Simmer the sauce:

   • Add the crushed tomatoes to the saucepan, followed by oregano, basil, sugar (if using), salt, and pepper. Stir well.

   • Let the sauce simmer uncovered for about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens and the flavors meld together.

3. Blend (optional):

   • For a smoother sauce, you can blend it with an immersion blender or in a regular blender until it’s to your desired consistency.

4. Cool before using:

   • Allow the sauce to cool before spreading it on your pizza dough.

3. Toppings

Here are some common toppings, but feel free to get creative!

• Cheese:

  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

  • You can mix in other cheeses like cheddar, provolone, or parmesan for extra flavor.

• Meat options:

  • Pepperoni, sausage, bacon, or prosciutto are popular choices. Cook them before placing on the pizza if needed.

• Vegetable options:

  • Sliced bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, spinach, olives, or arugula.

• Fresh herbs:

  • Fresh basil or oregano for garnish.

4. Assembling the Pizza

1. Preheat the oven:

   • Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C), and if you have a pizza stone, place it in the oven while it’s preheating.

2. Prepare the dough:

   • Once the dough is shaped, transfer it to a piece of parchment paper or a pizza peel (if using a pizza stone) to make transferring it to the oven easier.

3. Add the sauce:

   • Spread a thin layer of pizza sauce evenly over the surface of the dough, leaving a small border around the edges for the crust.

4. Add cheese and toppings:

   • Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese generously over the sauce. Add your desired toppings like meats, vegetables, or additional cheese.

5. Bake the pizza:

   • Carefully slide the pizza (on the parchment paper or pizza peel) onto the preheated pizza stone or a baking sheet in the oven.

   • Bake for 10–15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned.

6. Optional – Add fresh herbs:

   • If using fresh herbs like basil, add them after baking to preserve their fresh flavor.

7. Slice and serve:

   • Remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool for a minute or two before slicing and serving.

5. Additional Tips:

• For a crispier crust: You can brush the edges of the crust with olive oil before baking, or bake the pizza on a preheated pizza stone for the best results.

• Toppings: Avoid overloading the pizza with toppings, as it may result in a soggy crust