Taya's Homemade Pizza

These artisan pizzas are fun for a party or to make with the kids. We make these weekly in our own pizza oven and vary the toppings seasonally.

Makes 6 individual pizzas

For the dough:
1 tablespoon yeast
1/8 cup extra virgin olive oil
1 cup WARM water
3 cups unbleached A/P flour
1 teaspoon sea salt

Combine the WARM (it should feel warm to the touch, not hot or cold) water and olive oil. Stir the yeast into the mixture. Set aside for 10-15 minutes so that the yeast can activate, you should see a head of foam on top.

In the bowl of a stand mixer with the dough hook, combine the flour and sea salt. Slowly add the yeast mixture. Mix on medium speed for 20 minutes. As the dough is mixing, add more flour if it is too sticky, and more if needed for the dough to come together.

Rub some olive oil in a large bowl. Transfer the dough to the oiled bowl. Cover with a damp kitchen towel, and let rise in a warm spot for about 30 minutes, then set in the refrigerator for at least an hour, until you are ready to bake.

For the pizza sauce:
1 28 oz can tomatoes
4 cloves garlic
1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
2 cups fresh basil leaves
1 tablespoon sea salt

Blend all ingredients in either a high-speed blender or in a food processor.

To make the pizzas:
Roll the dough out onto a floured surface into desired shape. Top with a few tablespoons of Taya's Pizza Sauce and your favorite toppings. Some of our favorite toppings are:
Fresh mozzarella
Goat cheese
Bleu cheese crumbles
Tomato
Onion
Roasted Bell Peppers
Mushrooms
Fresh garlic
Fresh herbs

Bake in a preheated 500 degree oven on your favorite pizza stone, pizza wire, or in a brick oven until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the crust is golden brown.

Enjoy!