Pizza Party!

Jake (far right) and Barney (second from left) had some friends over on Saturday and requested pizza for tea. Barney paid me the ultimate Pizza compliment by saying that he liked mine above all others, so I bought enough mozzarella for an army and got kneading!

Pizza dough is just the same as bread dough, and easy to make yourself. There are also pizza dough mixes available in the supermarkets, so you don't have a load of yeast getting old in your cupboard! I love bread making and I run courses to share my passion with others. Making dough is so theraputic, and making your own bread successfully is an amazing experience. Contact me if you would like to know more.......
Meanwhile, have a go!

Pizzas Dough

500g strong white bread flour
10g fast-acting dried yeast
10g salt
300g hand-hot water
2 tbs olive oil

Toppings

Tomato puree, or Tomato Pasta Sauce
Mozzarella (buy the middle range; the cheaper, the more liquid)
Parmesan cheese
Capers, Olives, Ham, Artichokes, Mushrooms, Pepperoni, Tomatoes, etc.


Heat the oven to 220 degrees/gas mk 7

Mix the dry ingredients in a large bowl, then add the water. I use a flat-bladed knife to mix until a dough is formed. You may need a little more water or a little more flour. Sprinkle a little flolur on the table and tip the dough out. Start kneading: fold the dough in half, press down and away with the heel of your hand, turn the dough a quarter turn and repeat. You are aiming for a dough which is not sticky, but smooth, has a silky feel to it, and bounces back when pressed lightly with a finger. It will take about 5 minutes.
Place the dough back in the bowl and leave to rise for 20 minutes or so.

Cut into four pieces and roll out to thin or deep crust size. Place on an oiled baking-tray and spread with tomato puree or a little tomato pasta sauce and bake for 5 minutes (you can freeze them at this stage). Remove from the oven and top with mozzarella, a grating of parmesan and anything else you fancy!

Bake for 8-10 minutes and serve immediately!

Dough Balls

Use one of the portions of dough and cut into small pieces. Bake alongside the pizzas and serve with some butter and crushed garlic.