Make-Your-Own Pizza Night

One of my new favorite things to do for dinner is make-your-own pizza.  I started this with the hope that the kids would be more willing to eat dinner if they have a hand in making it.  Plus, it is really fun to decorate your own pizza.  Amelia usually makes a face out of her olives and one night, Ashley did a CTR shield.  It is so fun to see them be creative.

In case you were wondering, here is my recipe for Easy Pizza Dough.  This recipe makes 2 large crusts, which works perfectly for our family to each have their own personal size pizza.  Sometimes I even have enough left over dough to make a dessert pizza.  Yum!

Easy Pizza Dough

4 - 4 1/2 cups flour
2 envelopes fast-rising yeast (dry)
1 teaspoon sugar
2 teaspoons salt
2 teaspoons olive oil
1 3/4 cups water

Mix 3 cups flour, yeast, sugar and salt in a large bowl.  Mix together warm water (110 degrees) with olive oil.  Stir into the flour mixture with a wooden spoon; beat until smooth.  (I actually do all this in my mixer with the dough hooks attached.)  Add enough of the remaining flour gradually to form a soft, firm dough.

Knead on a lightly floured surface for 8-10 minutes or until smooth and elastic.  Let rest, covered with plastic wrap, for 10 minutes.

Roll the dough on a lightly oiled or cornmeal dusted baking sheet or stretch with hands to desired size.  Bake on the lowest oven rack at 500 degrees for 10-14 minutes or until crisp and brown on the bottom.