Handmade Pizza Dough

2 cups warm water
2 Tbsp. yeast
2 tsp. sugar
2 tsp. salt
2 Tbsp. oil
5-6 cups flour

Combine water and yeast in a large bowl and let sit for 5 minutes. Stir in the sugar, salt, and oil. Add half the flour and mix. Add remaining flour and knead until smooth. Cover with a clean kitchen towel and put in a warm spot to rise for about half an hour. (On cold days, briefly warmyour oven, then turn it off, and put the bowl in there. Leave the lightbulb on to provide a bit of warmth.)

Punch the dough down and split into 2-3 pieces, depending on how big you want your pizzas and how thick you like your crusts. Press onto a greased cookie sheet or pizza pan until the dough is about 1/4" thick (for thin crusts).

Spread your favorite sauce, sprinkle on grated mozzarella, add toppings, and bake at 400 degrees for about 20 minutes.


From www.cheapcooking.com

Mushroom, Goat Cheese and Caramelized-Shallot Pizza

Created by Susan Spungen

Pizzas are topped with goat cheese and mushrooms for a delicious appetizer.

Servings: Makes two 16" x 5" pizzas

Ingredients:

•6 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
•8 medium shallots , sliced into thin rings
•1/2 teaspoon salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
•1 pound assorted mushrooms , uniformly sliced
•1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
•1 store-bought pizza dough
•2 (3.5-ounce) logs goat cheese , crumbled

Directions:

Place a pizza stone, if using, in center of oven. Preheat oven to 450°.

Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add shallots and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Sauté, stirring frequently, until shallots caramelize, 10 to 12 minutes. Set aside.

In another skillet, heat 2 tablespoons olive oil over medium-high heat. Add mushrooms, thyme and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Cook until mushrooms wilt and liquid evaporates, 5 to 7 minutes.

Divide dough and form two pizzas. Brush each with 1 tablespoon olive oil. Strew mushrooms and crumbled goat cheese evenly over pizzas.

Slide one pizza onto the hot stone. Bake until crust is golden, 8 to 10 minutes; repeat with the second pizza. If using a heavy baking sheet, increase cooking time to 10 to 12 minutes.

Strew caramelized shallots over tops of pizzas; season with pepper. Cut into wedges.

From Oprah.Com

Smoked Salmon and Dill Pizza

Created by Susan Spungen

Pizzas are topped with smoked salmon and dill for a delicious appetizer.

Servings: Makes two 16" x 5" pizzas

Ingredients:

•1 store-bought pizza dough
•2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
•1 medium red onion , thinly sliced
•8 ounces creme fraiche or sour cream
•1/4 cup fresh dill , chopped, plus sprigs for garnish
•8 ounces smoked salmon , thinly sliced
•1/2 cup wasabi caviar , optional
•Freshly ground black pepper to taste

Directions:

Place a pizza stone, if using, in center of oven. Preheat oven to 450°.

Divide dough and form two pizzas. Brush each with 1 tablespoon olive oil and top with onion. Slide one pizza onto the hot stone. Bake until crust is golden, 8 to 10 minutes; repeat with second pizza. If using a heavy baking sheet, increase cooking time to 10 to 12 minutes.

In a small bowl, combine crème fraîche and chopped dill. Spread mixture over pizzas. Arrange salmon, caviar (if using) and dill sprigs over tops; season with pepper. Cut into wedges.

From Oprah.Com