Home made Pizza

As I was tired of ordering pizza that just didn't have the toppings or the degree of doneness Ken likes, I decided to experiment and came up with the below. It turned out so good I am sharing. This is very easy and takes very little actual time (the oven does most the work). This pizza makes a 9 X 12 rectangle pizza (I have mini rectangle baking/cookie pans from when we had the mini oven) but if you like thinner crust this would also fit a normal size lipped cookie sheet or round medium pizza pan. If you want to thicker crust use smaller pan or double recipe.

To make the crust:

1 tablespoon fast acting yeast (one package if you buy the little 3 pack)
3/4 cup hot water
1 tablespoon sugar
2 cups flour
1/4 cup oil

Mix yeast, sugar, and hot water until yeast is dissolved. Add flour a cup at a time and mix well (dough will be crumbly at this point). Add oil and mix well with hands (you can use a spoon but your hands work best). the dough might be a little sticky so  just add a touch more flour and knead dough for about 10 minutes and form a ball. Place in a greased (I sprayed with cooking spray) bowl (or place on a pan) and place in warm area for 1 hour to rise. (you can use the oven as long as it's not on)

Once dough is double in size, punch down and knead with a little flour to make the dough workable.

Place on greased pizza plan and spread to the edges (you can use a rolling pin but I just use my hands). If using a pizza pan and not a lipped baking pan, create a little lip at the edges. TIP: sprinkle a little corn meal on the pan after greasing it and the crust will cook evenly, not stick, and add a little crunch.

Sauce:
4 ounces tomato sauce
garlic to taste
italian seasoning spice (to taste)

Mix well and spread on to crust- use as much or as little as you like. I prefer light sauce some prefer more. Then spread a little mozzarella cheese over sauce.

Add any toppings you like, but make sure the meat is cooked (i.e. do not use raw hamburger) and as much as you like. This crust will hold a lot of toppings.

After toppings, cover with mozzarella cheese or the shredded  cheese blend of your choice.

Place in preheated 425 degree over for 15-20 minutes depending on how well done you like your cheese :-)

When cheese is browned to your taste remove pizza from oven and place on cutting board or counter to 'rest' for 2-5 minutes before cutting. This lets everything sit and meld so when cutting you don't get the toppings and cheese spilling off the pizza.

Enjoy.