in the kitchen
Feeding the soul
I grew up in a large family, with a total of 8 siblings! So we we're always eating (thanks mom and dad for the free groceries all those years). I started cooking at age 6, and I always felt so happy preparing food for others. Working with my hands has always been my outlet for stress and creativity (depending on the day). I also have italian roots, so food has always meant so much to me and my family.
But since becoming a mother, and making food for my own little family, I have grown to appreciate the taste of homemade cooking. There hasn't been anything I've made that I would have rather eaten some place else, it must be my secret ingredient... love. Putting your heart into the food you eat really does set the cooking apart from all of the fine dining, the fast food, and premade options.
So, maybe cook something with love today.
Start simple, this homemade pizza costed us about $23 (less than dominos) and you may have most of the stuff already in your pantry!
Keep scrolling for the recipe.
Homemade pizza
First you want to start with a simple dough. This takes about 30 minutes to rise, and you'll want to make 1 batch per 12 inch pizza. I made 2 in the images above.
Homemade pizza dough:
-2 1/4 cups all purpose or bread flour
-1 packet of instant rise yeast
-2 cups warm water (not too hot)
-1 teaspoon salt
-1 teaspoon sugar
-2 tablespoons olive oil
-garlic powder and italian seasonings as desired
- Pour your yeast over the warm water and let sit for 5 minutes, do not mix.
- Mix your dry ingredients in a separate bowl, then slowly mix dry ingredients into the water yeast mixture.
- Add your olive oil, and use a wooden spoon or standing mixer until a dough ball forms.
- Place dough in a large bowl coated in olive oil, gently flip pizza dough so that its covered lightly in oil.
- Place in a warm spot for 30 minutes and let rise, if you're doing multiple batches, I suggest splitting your dough into different bowls.
Next you will need your toppings, here's what I used; but you're welcome to choose your own toppings.
- Pizza sauce, I used Ragu old world style traditional sauce ($2.59), but you may choose another, or even make your own.
- Cheese, I used a italian cheese mix from Schwartz Food Store and it costed me $3.49. We also got a thing of parmesan for $3.49.
- Pepperoni ($3.75), I used a cheaper brand to keep cost down, but you're welcome to use whatever meat your heart desires.
- Green bell peppers (already had)
- Onions (from the garden)
- Seasonings, like garlic salt, or even different sauces you already use.
Now, for the fun! Putting it all together.
- Preheat your oven to 325 degrees.
- Bring the dough to the counter, and lightly dust your hands and clean countertop with flour.
- Roll the dough to whatever size, shape, or thickness you desire. You can even toss it if you're feeling up to it, have fun!
- Once your dough is shaped, you want to make a crust by folding or pinching the edges of the dough.
- After your crust is formed, lightly coat it in olive oil. You can also add seasoning or a special sauce for extra flavor.
- You will need to poke holes in your crust with a fork, so the dough doesn't bubble in the oven.
- Now, SAUCE, spread it over the middle, or however you want.
- CHEESE (my favorite) sprinkle all about, and add your other toppings. Like pepperoni, peppers, olives, onions, and more!
- Bake in the oven for 13-15 minutes, until crust is browned.
- Enjoy, and taste the difference of a homemade pizza crafted with love.
*You may feel the urge to drink a glass of wine and play the "olive garden music" playlist on spotify while cleaning the kitchen after dinner.*
*Subject to feel like you're growing an italian accent*
