| Actually, I am the last person who should write about | | | | Basic Pizza Dough |
| pizza. It's not that I don't have specialized knowledge, | | | | 1 packet dry yeast |
| passion or experience. I have made pizza, thin and | | | | 1 cup warm water |
| thick, by hand and by machine. I have taught pizza | | | | 1tablespoon sugar |
| making classes. I've owned and operated a pizza | | | | ½ teaspoon salt |
| delivery business. The reason that I shouldn't write | | | | ¼ cup olive oil |
| about pizza is because I've never found a pizza that I | | | | 2 ½ cups flour |
| didn't love. My life is a pizza version of "If you can't be | | | | Directions |
| with the one you love, love the one your with." | | | | Pre heat your oven to 450 degrees. Oil your pan or |
| I love the thin pizza of Vito and Nick's. I love the thick | | | | baking sheet. |
| pizza at UNO and DUE. I love Lou Malnati's, Marie's, | | | | You must understand yeast to make any kind of |
| Lucky Vito's, and Giordano's. I love the greasy Connie's | | | | dough. Treat your yeast as if you were making a |
| pizza. I love Home Run Inn frozen pizza. I love frozen | | | | bottle for a baby. Warm and sweet is good for a |
| Jack's pizza and Tombstone pizza. I love the slices at | | | | baby. If the water is too hot, the yeast will die. Too |
| Costco just as much as the slices at Bacci or | | | | much salt will retard the growth of the yeast. Dissolve |
| Damenzo are on Taylor Street. I love pizza bagels, | | | | the yeast packet in the warm water and sugar. Let |
| pizza on pita, pizza on tortillas, French bread pizza, | | | | the mixture sit in the warm bowl for a few minutes |
| tomato bread, and focaccia. I love all combinations of | | | | until it starts to bubble and grow. Then add in the oil |
| tomatoes, oil and cheese. I love bruschetta. I love pizza | | | | and salt. Stir until mixed and then add in flour. Knead |
| puffs. | | | | flour until it is a smooth ball. Cover the bowl and let it |
| You see, I'm hopeless. I can't really pick a favorite kind; | | | | rest in a warm place away from any breeze. You've |
| I'm getting slap happy thinking about all the pizza I have | | | | got to keep the baby warm. If it cools off it won't rise. |
| enjoyed. The best pizza is the one that I have in front | | | | When the dough doubles in size, punch it down, knead |
| of me. A big part of the problem is that I live in | | | | it a little and roll it out on a floured board until it is the |
| Chicago. We Chicagoans are blessed to the point of | | | | thickness and shape that you desire. You can't over |
| confusion. Every neighborhood has a gem of a place | | | | handle yeast dough. If it doesn't turn out right the first |
| and they are all a little different and they are all really | | | | time, let it rise again (in a warm place) and start over. |
| good. | | | | Just like the baby it loves attention. |
| This is the recipe that I use at home when I am not | | | | I could write on and on for the rest of my life about |
| eating frozen pizza, or delivery pizza. | | | | the kinds of sauce and toppings that you might put on |
| It makes one thin crispy pizza the size of a cookie | | | | your pizza. However, I will trust your judgment and |
| sheet or a flat baking pan. I can also make a thick | | | | creativity. The only words of caution that I have are |
| pizza in a round cake pan. And, of course, they are | | | | "Not too much sauce on a thin pizza." If you love lots |
| equally good, fresh from the oven. | | | | of sauce, make a thick crust pizza. |