Wednesday, June 14th, 2023
Pizza
Gather the whole family in the kitchen to make this Italian-American favorite
Mamma Mia! Don't forget the extra pepperoni
By Erin Gardner
Photo by Paige Sutter/The Daily Standard
The family will love homemade pizza for pizza-movie night.
CELINA - A good ol' fashioned pizza and movie night can provide a welcome respite from the hustle and bustle of summer activities.
To get in the spirit, bust out the flour, fresh produce growing in the garden and delicious cheese. For maximum summer fun, pair a pizza with a classic summer movie such as "The Sandlot."
An outdoor movie night with a projector and big screen is also a great way to enjoy a balmy night. Of course, don't forge the s'mores, Smalls.
The Daily Standard recently broke out the tomato sauce and dusted off the flour and seasonings to make its very own artisan pizza for staff.
Like all great recipes, homemade pizza recipes are completely customizable. The newspaper made two pizzas, one more classic and the other simple. For classic pizza, slather on pepperoni and green peppers. For a more rustic look, use whole mozzarella slices. For simple pizza, apply whole cherry tomatoes and fresh basil, along with fresh mozzarella slices.
For a more savory pie, use sausage, pepperoni, onions, garlic and green peppers. For a sweeter route, top the pizza with pineapple or even figs. Prosciutto and balsamic glaze can give the pizza a sophisticated flavor. The great thing about do-it-yourself gifts and recipes is nothing is set in stone, so don't be afraid to customize the pizza to an event or even company.
Additionally, use what is at hand. The newspaper didn't have cheesecloth available, so its greenhorn chefs used a thin dishcloth. More importantly, don't forget to have fun.
This recipe from Food Network can be as complex or as simple as a pizza lover wishes.
Pizza dough
31/2 to 4 cups bread flour or all-purpose flour, plus more for rolling
1 teaspoon sugar
1 envelope instant dry yeast
2 teaspoons kosher salt
11/2 cups warm water
To make the dough, combine the flour, sugar, yeast and kosher salt in a bowl with a stand mixer.
"While the mixer is running, add the water and 2 tablespoons of the oil and beat until the dough forms into a ball. If the dough is sticky, add additional flour, 1 tablespoon at a time, until the dough comes together in a solid ball. If the dough is too dry, add additional water, 1 tablespoon at a time. Scrape the dough onto a lightly floured surface and gently knead into a smooth, firm ball," the recipe reads
"Grease a large bowl with the remaining 2 teaspoons olive oil, add the dough, cover the bowl with plastic wrap and put it in a warm area to let it double in size for about an hour," the recipe reads. "Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and divide it into 2 equal pieces. Cover each with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let them rest for 10 minutes."
To make the pizza, first preheat the oven to 475 F. Spread one section of the dough onto a greased pan. Spread tomato sauce or any preferred sauce onto the dough. Sprinkle with desired toppings and the best part, the cheese.
Bake for 10-12 minutes. Enjoy.
Photo by Paige Sutter/The Daily Standard
Mix flour and other ingredients to make your pizza dough.
Photo by Paige Sutter/The Daily Standard
Let the dough rise for an hour, then spread the dough on a pan.
Photo by Paige Sutter/The Daily Standard
Add a generous amount of pizza sauce on the unbaked dough.
Photo by Paige Sutter/The Daily Standard
Customize the pizza with your favorite toppings.
Photo by Paige Sutter/The Daily Standard
Place your pizza in a preheated oven at 475 F for 10-12 minutes.
Photo by Paige Sutter/The Daily Standard
Slice your pizza. Grab enugh beverages for everybody. And pick a fun movie.
