Mamma Mia!

                                           Asparagus and ham pizza

Pizza is my favorite food group.  I think it should be eaten at least once a week.  My mom tried this white sauce this week and said it was delicious so I decided to give it a try.  Of course I like green things on my pizza like spinach and broccoli but you can really put anything you want.   When it comes to dough there are a lot of options these days.  You can buy ready made crusts or dough, get dough from your favorite pizza place or make your own dough.  I am a fan of all three.  I had the time this week so I made dough.  I made four little pizzas with this dough recipe but you could also make two medium or one large pizza.  If you have never made pizza at home you should really give it a try.  It is just the best pizza! 

                                          Broccoli and ricotta

Pizza dough:
2 tsp or 1 packet active dry yeast
1/2 tsp sugar
1/2 cup warm water
1 1/2 cup AP flour
1/2 tsp salt
2 tbs olive oil

Stir yeast and sugar into warm water and let sit until foamy (5-10 min).  Mix flour with salt and make a well in the center.  Add olive oil and yeast.  Mix until dough forms.  Knead on floured surface until smooth and no longer sticky (8-10 min).  Place in an oiled bowl, cover, and let rise until doubled (1 hour). Split into desired number of crusts.  Roll or stretch into desired shape and top with your favorite things!

                                           Tomato and basil

White garlic sauce:
5-7 cloves garlic
1 tbs butter
1 tbs olive oil
2 tbs flour
1 cup milk*
salt and pepper

Melt butter with olive oil.  Mince or crush garlic and add to oil.  Cook for only 1-2 minutes then add the flour.  Cook flour for 1-2 minutes then slowly add the milk, stir all the time.  Stir until thickened then cool before putting on the pizza.  Put a piece of plastic wrap directly on the sauce so a skin does not form as it cools.

* I find that whole or 2% milk just makes a richer, smoother sauce.  This can be made with skim milk or even a combo of skim and half&half. 

                                           Spinach and ricotta

Pizza:
Preheat oven 450-500 degrees, if using stone put in oven to preheat.  Form your dough into desired shape and top with cooled white sauce.  Cover with favorite toppings and lots of cheese making sure to stop 1/2 inch from edge.  Add a sprinkle of dried oregano.  Bake in a preheated oven on a hot stone or baking sheet 5-10 min.  Keep checking as it browns quickly.  Try not to burn the roof of your mouth and enjoy!

Toppings:
Broccoli
Ricotta
Spinach-freshly sauted or frozen
Cherry tomatoes
Basil
Ham
Asparagus
Mozzarella

You can't really make a mistake when it comes to toppings.  If you love it on a pizza it's right.  I also love the traditional things like pepperoni and sausage.  Maybe next week!