The Lazy Woman's Pizza Pie

     I love a good slice of pizza.  Have you ever met someone who says that they don't like pizza?  Aren't you always a little suspect of these people?  Even my nephew who hates cheese and has lactose issues loves pizza.
     A few weeks ago I ordered a pizza delivery because I felt too lazy to cook.  Huge mistake.  It was not only bad for me, it tasted like it had been dipped in some weird pizza preservative chemical.  Gross.  I vowed then and there to stop being pizza pie lazy and make my own from now on.  Which is not so bad because I like my pizza way more than anything I can get delivered and my recipe is actually super easy.
     I lucked out and got the perfect, quick and delicious crust recipe from a co-worker at SLT-thanks Michael!  The only problem is you need a stand mixer to make it.  And really you need a stand mixer anyway, sorry!  So if you don't have one put it on your b-day, x-mas, v-day, tax refund day wish list and just make it happen already.

Pizza Crust Dough

• 3 cups All Purpose flour
• 1 pkg Red Star Quick Rise yeast
• 2 Tbsp. olive oil
• 1/2 tsp. sea salt
• 1 c water- 125 degrees

Add all ingredients minus water to the bowl and using the paddle attachment mix on low for 30 seconds.  Add water-make sure it is between 120 and 125 degrees no higher or lower-and mix for 60 seconds.  Change to dough hook and mix on speed 2 for 2 minutes.  Place in an oiled bowl and let rise in warm area for 15 minutes.  You can also freeze the dough once it has risen, just put in fridge to defrost and pull out 30 minutes before you roll it out.

     When the dough is ready punch it down a little and cut in two.  Each half will make 2 10-14 inch (the larger you roll the thinner the crust) pizza crusts.  I roll mine out on a pastry cloth which I shake out and keep wrapped in the fridge.  Place crust on a perforated pizza pan.  I believe this pan makes the best crust, even better than a pizza stone and it's cheaper and easier to store!

     Spread pizza sauce-I just use pasta sauce from a jar-or brush crust with an olive oil, garlic salt and herb mixture.  Top with whatever you've got hanging out in the fridge.  Here's some ideas from my fridge: sliced red onion or carmelized sweet/yellow onion, roasted red pepper(I just buy them in a jar), olives, sundried tomatoes(costco sells huge jars), artichoke hearts, garlic(best if you roast it first), steamed broccoli, cooked potato(seriously it's good!) and peperoncinis (spicy!).  Then cover with cheese.  I buy a shredded pizza blend but often I will change it up and use fresh mozzarella, sliced provolone or goat cheese.  Try it vegan style too!  I really like it vegan style brushed with the garlic oil, crushed red pepper and lots of veggies.

     Bake at 415 degrees for 12-14 minutes depending on thickness of crust.  

Pizza easily slides onto a pizza screen, see above, which is great to cut on.  Serve with a salad and it's the perfect meal.  Bon Appetit!

-Natasha