I don't know if I am doing this right - but I would like to share one of my homemade pizza recipes with everyone:
PIZZA CRUST
2 1/2 teaspoons active dry yeast
Pinch sugar
1 cup warm water
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
Dissolve yeast and sugar in water. Proof 5 minutes. Pour into mixer bowl. Gradually mix in 2 cups flour and salt using paddle attachment. Change to dough hook. Incorporate remaining flour and mix 10 minutes, or until dough is smooth and elastic. Place dough in a greased bowl. Cover with plastic and let rise 1-1/2 hours, or until doubled in size. A longer, slower rising time will make a more flavorful crust. Punch dough down. Form into a ball and refrigerate until ready to use. Bring to room temperature before using.
PIZZA SAUCE
I usually double the amounts using two large 28-ounce cans of crushed tomatoes, and freeze in 1/2-cup plastic containers so I have it ready for pizza. This sauce freezes excellent and if made a day ahead and refrigerated - it gives the flavors a chance to meld!!
4 tablespoons olive oil
1 medium onion (finely chopped)
1 tablespoon minced fresh garlic (or to taste)
1 tablespoon dried Italian seasoning (or to taste)
1 teaspoons oregano (optional)
1 tablespoon marjoram
1 can (6 oz.) tomato paste
4-5 cups crushed tomatoes (can use tomato sauce in place of crushed tomatoes or use a combination of both if desired - I use a good brand name of crushed tomatoes that are not watery or 1 can puree and 1 can tomatoes)
2 teaspoons salt, to taste
Pinch sugar
Black pepper
1. In a saucepan, heat the olive oil; saute the onions and garlic for 2-3 minutes until soft but not brown.
2. Add in the tomato paste and Italian seasonings, stir and cook 1 minute.
3. Add in the remaining ingredients; cook and simmer on low heat for half an hour, stirring occasionally, adding more salt if needed (after the half hour - adjust seasonings to taste)
NOTE: Chop the onion and garlic VERY fine.
I prefer a grated cheese mix of whole milk mozzarella, provolone, a little Asiago and some Pecorino Romano; thin sliced pepperoni and sometimes fried homemade Italian sausage and sliced mushrooms. When I leave out the sausage and mushrooms - then it?s anchovies!!!! (I love anchovies!)