15 September 2007

Pizza Night and a Superior Crust Recipe

I made three triple batches of pizza crust yesterday for the pizza/movie night. There were three stacks of crusts this size, and I decided to make two dessert pizzas at the last minute. They were pretty good and would've been even better had I remembered to set the timer on the oven! (They were baking while everybody was here.) Fortunately I had kitchen helpers for rolling out all that dough!
Last night was a total blast - kids were laughing and running around in the yard, on the trampoline, on the front porch, down the street, in and out of the house, and in every room - just the way I like it! The moms had a great time too getting a chance to visit amid the utter chaos. Having no agenda, most of the kids preferred to just hang out, while a handful opted to watch Night at the Museum. The worst part about the night was that it ended way too soon!
I promised to share the amazing recipe I found - with my adjustments. You can make a triple batch of the dough in a large kitchen mixer. The original of this recipe called for 3 ounces of oil per personal pizza crust - and after trying only half that amount, I just could NOT feed that greasy mess to my family - so I reduced it significantly. You can get a feel for how much you prefer.
Mock Pizza Hut Pan Pizza Crust
1 1/3 cup warm water (105 F)
1/4 cup non-fat dry milk
1/2 tsp salt
1 Tbsp sugar
1 pkg dry yeast (2 1/4 tsp)
4 cups flour
2 Tbsp vegetable oil (for dough)

For preparation:
2 - 3 Tbsp vegetable oil per pan (experiment with this and pour off excess)
2 Tbsp melted butter

Directions:
Put yeast, sugar, salt, and dry milk in a large bowl. Add water and stir to mix well. Allow to sit for two minutes. Add oil and stir again. Add flour and stir until dough forms and flour is absorbed. Turn out on to a flat surface and knead for about 10 minutes by hand - or 3-5 minutes in a large kitchen mixer with a dough hook. Divide dough into three balls. In three 9" cake pans, put 2 - 3 Tbsp. of oil in each making sure it is spread evenly. Using a rolling pin (I used my hands!), roll out each dough ball to about a 9" circle. Place in cake pans. Brush the outer edge of dough with melted butter. Cover with a plate. Place in warm area and allow to rise for 1 - 1 1/2 hours.
(To make pre-baked shells I baked them at about 450 for 7-10 minutes - then they were ready to be topped again and baked for about 10 more minutes.)

Pan Pizza Sauce
1 (8 ounce) can tomato sauce
1 tsp dry oregano
1/2 tsp marjoram
1/2 tsp dry basil
1/2 tsp garlic salt

To bake each 9" pizza:
  1. Preheat oven to 475 F
  2. Spoon 1/3 cup sauce on dough and spread to within 1" of edge
  3. Distribute 1 1/2 ounce shredded mozzarella cheese on sauce
  4. Place toppings of your choice in this order: Pepperoni or ham, vegetables, meats
  5. Top with 3 oz. mozzarella cheese
  6. Cook until cheese is bubbling and outer crust is brown
Some of the gang on a Friday night!

5 comments:

  1. Looks and sounds yummy! I hope to try it soon!

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  2. Oh it looks like delicious, tasty fun! Next time invite ME. I don't have teenagers but I'm handy in the kitchen and dishwashing dept!

    Thanks for ze recipe. I will be trying that soon (hopefully).

    By the way, David and I decided long ago that we would do whatever it takes (within reason, of course) to make OUR house the fun house. The one where all the kids want to hang out. I'm glad you're doing some of that. I know what goes on behind closed doors at our house, but I don't know at other peoples. Not that my kids will be hermits, but I would much rather feed, clean and entertain and see/hear what's going on than to maybe hear it second or thirdhand from someone.

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  3. I have not mastered homemade pizza dough, so I will definitely be trying this recipe. Thank you!

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  4. Sounds like a fun night. And the crusts look cooked, too!

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  5. Oh it looks so yummy! I am definitely going to try this recipe when I get a chance this week!

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♥ Juls ♥