What's Cookin' Tonight

Can't get into the menu planning this week. Just. Can't. Do it. :-)

So here's what we're having tonight. My friend and neighbor recently started a business, Maisy's Pie Company, and I found this recipe on her blog.

I haven't tried any of Vonnie's pies yet, but I am salivating! Waiting for a special occasion.

Basic Pizza Dough

serves 8

1 cup warm water

1 package dry yeast

2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon sugar

1 teaspoon salt

2 tablespoons olive oil

Combine water and yeast in a small bowl; let stand 5 minutes.

Whisk together in large bowl; 2 1/2 cups flour, sugar, and salt. Add yeast mixture and olive oil, stir until dough forms a ball. Knead dough on well-floured surface, using as much of remaining 1/4 flour as needed. Form dough into a disk, place in a bowl that has been lightly coated with olive oil, and cover bowl with plastic wrap. Let dough rise in a warm place for approx. 2 hours.

Remove dough, punch down, and roll into desired diameter.

Marinara Sauce

Makes 2 cups

2 tablespoons olive oil

4 cloves garlic, finely chopped

1 can (28 ounces) tomatoes, crushed by hand

1 teaspoon sugar

1/2 teaspoon dried oregano

1/2 dried basil

1/4 teaspoon salt

In medium sized saucepan, heat oil over medium heat. Add garlic, cook 1 minute, stirring so garlic does not burn. Stir in tomatoes, sugar, oregano, basil, and salt. Bring to a boil. Cook, with lid ajar, for 30 minutes over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally.

To assemble pizza; Spread sauce on rolled out pizza dough. Sprinkle sauce with 2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese, and layer with sliced pepperoni; or any toppings you prefer. Bake at in a 500 degree, preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until crust is golden and cheese is melted and bubbly.