Did Somebody Say Pizza!

Even though I set my timer, I got a little distracted with the kids and let the pizza stay in the oven a tad bit longer than I would of liked. It was still excellent

Every Friday I have been making pizza for our family dinner for the past few years.  Today, I stayed home since the kiddos are suffering from the fist cold of the season and did not get a chance to head to Trader Joe’s and get their pre-made pizza dough (super easy and cheap way to go when making home-made pizza).  I do have the Cusinart Elite 16- cup food processor that has the ability to make dough, so I decided to give making pizza dough a whirl. . . BEST IDEA EVER!

I added a little twist to a recipe I found on About.com (http://southernfood.about.com/od/yeastbreads/r/r90430rev.htm) .  I added an ingredient to the dough base that is something I find as my “go-to” ingredient.  It is a spice/herb mixture that I found at Costco a year or so ago  (which they now have discontinued! I now buy direct from the manufacture – yeah it is that good).  It is called Jonny’s Garlic Spread(http://www.johnnysfinefoods.com/Great-Caesar-Garlic-Spread-Seasoning–18oz_p_7.html) .  I use it as a base for dressings, italian sauces, rubs for meats (excellent on tri-tip) and now in pizza dough!

It was a big hit tonight, even the dog managed to sneak a piece off the counter while I was clearing the table (pizza is the only thing she will take from the counter at least she has per priorities straight).  The best part was my house smelling like a restaurant in Little Italy while the pizza was baking.  The garlic spread really added a wonderful essence via taste and smell!

It was super easy to roll out! I loved working with this dough!

Ingredients:

• 1 envelope active dry yeast
• 1 cup warm water, 110° F.
• 1  teaspoons sugar
• 2 1/4 tsp (for rolling out) and  2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 5 teaspoons of Johnny’s Garlic Spread

Preparation:

Put warm water in a cup; sprinkle yeast over water and stir in sugar; let stand for about 10 minutes, or until it begins to bubble.

Combine 2 1/4 cups flour, sugar, garlic seasoning and salt in a mixer or food processor that has the “dough” capabilities, if not you will have to go old school and mix and knead on your own ; pour in oil and yeast mixture and mix until a ball is formed.

Place in a large bowl greased with shortening or butter; turn dough over to coat the dough well.

Cover with towel and let rise in a warm place for about 30 minutes.

Dough should double in bulk. Punch down the dough and shape to fit a lightly greased pizza pan which as been sprinkled lightly with cornmeal. Keep dough slightly thick around the edges. Fill with favorite filling and toppings and bake for about 15 to 20 minutes at 425°