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Pizza: Anyway You Slice It!

I rarely use my oven these days. Between doing less cooking because I recently became an empty nest holder, trying to eat less meat and more of those ten to thirteen vegetables and fruits we are now told is the new guideline for healthy eating, and saving on electric bills, I just don't use it much.

But as the temperature out-of-doors begins to plummet, the temperature on my oven begins to rise. One of the few reasons I use my oven these days is to make homemade pizza, the occasional quiche, or a dessert - usually chocolate in nature.

The difference between homemade pizza and carry out or delivery is as different as authentic Mexican or one of the drive through joints. They both hit the spot but in a uniquely differing way. And I could have one at lunch and another at dinner since they have so little in common.

My basic homemade pizza dough recipe: (This is doubled so I can make two pizzas)

2 C. warm water

5 C. flour (I use three cups of white, one cup of wheat and one cup corn meal)

4 Tablespoons butter or margarine (I use olive oil)

2 pkg. yeast

2 teaspoons salt (I haven't tried it, but imagine one would work)

2 tsp. sugar ( I use a local honey instead)

Place warm water and oil in a bowl and add yeast, salt and honey. Let rest five minutes. Mix in the flour and cornmeal until the dough pulls away from the sides of the bowl, shape into a ball, splash a bit of olive oil on top, turn it once and place in a warm place for about 45 minutes - until doubled in size.

Tear or cut dough approximately in half. I lightly spray my pans with olive oil and sprinkle with more corn meal. Next spread your dough over your pie pan and begin to add your favorite sauce, toppings, whatever.

Bake at 425 around 15 to 20 minutes.

I love the addition of cornmeal. It gives the crust a crunchy, sweet, dense texture.

So now what do YOU do?

I prefer tomato paste over sauce, a variety of vegetables, mozzarella cheese, and lots of chopped garlic.

By Ronda Miller

October 9, 2009

At Random

From the Citizen Journalism Academy

Discussion

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9 October 2009
at 10:02 a.m.

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Aisling (Anonymous) says…

I'm not sure if I have a kitchen in my apartment…..it may be there but I seldom venture into it.
My choice for pizza is Waldo Pizza and sometimes Tim's if I need Kansas City's closest version of Happy Joe's canadian bacon and sauerkraut. (that was terrible sentence structure—oh well)
9 October 2009
at 10:04 a.m.

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schula (Anonymous) says…

Mmm….sounds really good. I will try to make it sometime soon. I like the following toppings on my pizza (not all at the same time):
Pepperoni
Black Olives
Mushrooms
Italian sausage

And sometimes, I just like a plain cheese pizza
9 October 2009
at 10:10 a.m.

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RETICENT_IRREVERENT (Anonymous) says…

I just tell the spousal unit to make pizza. She knows her place…
9 October 2009
at 10:14 a.m.

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jonas_opines (Anonymous) says…

I've yet to try and make my own crusts (Ronda, is yours thickish or thinish?), but a great way to make pizza better is to drop the tomato paste or pizza sauce and slather on some pesto instead.

I'm generally a bella mushroom, pepperoni and sausage type myself. The wife loves olives, and I can't stand them unless they've been in a mostly dry martini for at least half an hour.
9 October 2009
at 10:14 a.m.

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hail2oldku (Anonymous) says…

cream cheese and jalepeno pizza for me. I can't have it very often though since it doesn't fit into that diet thingy.
9 October 2009
at 10:25 a.m.

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autie (Anonymous) says…

Besides making our own sauce with lots of basil right out of the pot on the front porch and oregano…I like to spread the crust as thin as I can get it on this big ass cookie sheet, then bake it by itself for ..oh 6 or 8 minutes. then add the sauce and toppings…pepperoni, black olives, mushrooms, canadian bacon..and lots of cheeses…You be making me hungry. And it is taco day here today. darn it.
9 October 2009
at 10:30 a.m.

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lily (Anonymous) says…

Frozen, The Wheel Pizza or Pizza Hut are my recipes.
I need to try making my own since my family loves it.

9 October 2009
at 10:43 a.m.

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sassypants (Anonymous) says…

When my pizza is done its about 5 lbs my hubby says. Hamburger, Sausage, Canadian bacon or Pepperoni, onions, peppers, mushrooms, tons of cheddar and mozzarella cheese. Sometimes I buy the crust, and sometimes its homemade. Usually send some home with the kids or its pizza for a few days.
9 October 2009
at 10:44 a.m.

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justbegintowrite (Ronda Miller) says…

You can make the crust as thin or as thick as you care to. I like my a tad more on the thick side as I tend to be a doughboy - girl if that makes any sense. My one (okay, so there are hundreds) weakness is the need to shove dough into my mouth. I love breads, crusts, rolls, anything that makes one chubby over the winter. I crave yeast…but hate beer. I know, how is this possible.

So, jonas, make it is thin or thick as you desire. If you have dough left over make a smaller dessert pizza. Anyone have one of those they would care to share?

I agree pesto is a wonderful change and I enjoy a white sauce with cream cheese when I make a spinach/garlic pizza. I love black olives on pizza, but I am not a huge mushroom fan - I don't mind them nearly as much if they aren't the slimy canned variety I have found.

ret, bring the little lady out of the kitchen and massage her feet once in awhile. It is amazing how much just that simple kind act will reap for your a$$ down the line.

aisling: “Canadian bacon and sauerkraut” I have been wanting to try something with kraut on it. I may go with turkey bacon as a healthy choice. (And your kitchen may be the area where you throw your empty cans and plates into the sink or trash)…. ;)

hail, for heaven's sake - share that recipe!

basil and oregano…do you have to bring those in for the winter? I have a few herbs in a pot outside now and am assuming I better find a bright light source for them. Either that or pick and dry them quickly.
9 October 2009
at 10:49 a.m.

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justbegintowrite (Ronda Miller) says…

sassy, hope your pants are still fitting as well as last time I saw you. Your pizza sounds wonderful…a full meal deal.

I also try to make sure I have some fruit with my pizza and a salad so I am not filling up quite so much on the 'less' nutritional pizza.
9 October 2009
at 10:51 a.m.

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Pywacket (Anonymous) says…

We like making our own pizza, though we don't do it as often as we should. I've never tried putting cornmeal in the dough, although I sprinkle it liberally (of course) on the pizza stone and the cookie sheets—it helps keep it from sticking. I'll try a cup mixed right in next time.

I have oregano, chives, and thyme naturalized under my roses, so I can go out and pick them fresh any time. Basil, of course, is a tender annual, but I grow that, too, and try to dry some for winter use (if I don't use it all in pesto).

Autie, where do you get those Big Ass cookie sheets? I have a Big Ass canner/cooker but I didn't know they made cookie sheets. I love my pizza stone, but could use about 4 more of them.

I like to vary my sauces—tomato-based, pesto, or white sauce—and somewhat depending on which one I use, I like the following toppings: Canadian bacon or ham, chicken, artichoke hearts, sun-dried tomatoes, capers, green or black olives, spinach, feta cheese, green or purple onions, chives, roasted garlic…
9 October 2009
at 11:01 a.m.

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sassypants (Anonymous) says…

Rhonda, I'm happy to say I have lost a total of 38 lbs now and still keeping it off. Hubby says I have no butt left. I have about another 5 lbs to go. It's been so hard to get rid of that last 10 lbs. I'm getting a 2 piece swimming suit next summer for the first time in about 20 years.

One piece of pizza and salad fills me up. Thats why its leftovers forever or gets sent home with the kids.
9 October 2009
at 11:10 a.m.

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justbegintowrite (Ronda Miller) says…

Pye, wonderful additions to pizza. I love capers, artichoke hearts…never tried them together though, With this variety of pizza I could live on it a week easily. I agree that a pizza stone is the best. I have such limited storage and they are heavy.

sassy, I am so thrilled for you. Don't worry about the five…take it slow and it will come off. Maybe you'll send me a photo of you in that two piece swim suit! You put the effort in and now you are reaping the rewards. I am so proud of your hard endeavor and know this can last a lifetime of healthy eating and exercise for you. YOU made the choice to do this!

BTW, what is the best way to warm up pizza? I think zapping it in the microwave makes it too soft and yucky. Oven?

Come on! Needing some dessert pizzas!
9 October 2009
at 11:30 a.m.

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schula (Anonymous) says…

Hey everyone — I am off for the rest of day and giving all of you the afternoon off, too. I think I will see if my grandma is up for having pizza for lunch today. See you all later!
9 October 2009
at 11:37 a.m.

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justbegintowrite (Ronda Miller) says…

Thanks for the afternoon off, schula! Have a nice day! It will allow us plenty of time to make pizza or tonight's dinner/supper. Does anyone still call it supper?

9 October 2009
at 11:48 a.m.

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sassypants (Anonymous) says…

I have done both, but oven is better.
9 October 2009
at 11:48 a.m.

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justmesis (Anonymous) says…

I rarely use my oven anymore. Mostly because of restrictions to my husbands diet. I really do miss making homemade pizza and may have to fire up the old oven soon. I also miss the cinnamon rolls and other “yeasty” items. Maybe we inherited this gene? I don't like beer either.
I like both tomato and alfredo sauce with lots of veggies. The white chicken pizza is very good. I prefer thick crust.
I really think that I could live on pizza. Give me a pizza and ice cream and I'm a happy camper!
9 October 2009
at 11:51 a.m.

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justmesis (Anonymous) says…

Yes, I still say supper. I have a terrible time with that out here in Virginia. They all say dinner. It goes, Breakfast, Lunch and then Supper. As I tell my childre who have converted to the Virginia way, the Lord had a Last Supper.
9 October 2009
at 12:13 p.m.

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RETICENT_IRREVERENT (Anonymous) says…

justmesis,
But it was just bread and wine, they had dinner earlier.
9 October 2009
at 12:25 p.m.

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RoeDapple (Anonymous) says…

Ah, the three major food groups…

Two beers and a pizza….

Mmmmmm!!!
9 October 2009
at 12:52 p.m.

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puddleglum (Anonymous) says…

I make the best homemade pizza.
thankyou.
9 October 2009
at 1:15 p.m.

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IAwildrose (Anonymous) says…

great pizza can be found at Pagliai's Pizza (it's a chain) in Maryville, MO - sauerkraut & bacon strip is my favorite
9 October 2009
at 1:21 p.m.

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beastshawnee (Anonymous) says…

Once my roommates and I wondered, why doesn't pizza come in different colors. So we made pink pizza, blue pizza, and green pizza. It was delicious at first, but then the colors started making us think of birthday cake and we started to feel sick. We threw out the rest even though the taste was good.

9 October 2009
at 1:28 p.m.

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make_a_difference (Anonymous) says…

I love spinach & garlic (lots, please!) pizza…also tomato & mushroom. Those are the current favorites. I've never gotten into making pizza…don't know why…

I like to eat leftover pizza cold with orange juice for breakfast. Strange, yes, but something I've done since a kid.

Rhonda, I love that you include whole wheat flour & cornmeal in your dough. Always looking for ways to include whole grains.

Quesdillas are made all the time here…asparagus with pepper jack cheese on multi-grain tortilla rocks. I'm thinking that it's time to make a pizza version.
9 October 2009
at 1:44 p.m.

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Pywacket (Anonymous) says…

How could I forget? A good friend came (from about 800 miles away) for a visit last year and turned me on to a type of pizza I had never heard of. When she described it, I thought it sounded awful, so I was blown away by the delectable result. It was Thai pizza. I've since tried it in a couple restaurants but haven't found any that touched my friend's homemade version. She used a jar of Thai peanut sauce, cooked chicken chunks, fresh bean sprouts, fresh grated carrot, chopped green onion, minced garlic, hot pepper flakes, and mozzarella. That's what I remember, anyway. I may be missing something. It was so good! I need to have her send me her recipe and recommendations as to brand of peanut sauce.

Ronda, I notice you were asking a question about overwintering herbs at about the same time as I was writing my post.. I'll add a little more info & hope it helps.

Oregano is very hardy and will naturalize into the landscape. Thyme (depending on the variety) is fairly hardy and will also naturalize if not elbowed out by more aggressive neighbors (see: oregano).

Chives—very hardy & will reseed prolifically. Basil…. dig it up & bring it inside if you have strong grow lights. Even then, I wouldn't expect too much. I just harvest what I can & start anew in the spring.

Rosemary—semihardy in this region. A lot depends on the particular microcosm where you plant it, what kind of winter we have, the variety, etc. As it does well inside, it's safer to just pot it up and keep it in a sunny (but not too warm) spot for the winter. Water less but don't let it dry out completely. Set it out again in the spring after danger of hard freeze. It tolerates light frosts quite well.

Don't forget (if you still have herbs to harvest) that you can make wonderful herbed oils or vinegars to bottle and use all winter. Before I had kids (i.e., when I had time), I used to make enough of these to give family & friends for Christmas gifts.

Olive, peanut, or oil of choice infused with basil, rosemary, chives, oregano, sage, or a combination of herbs is wonderful for brushing on pizza dough or crusty homemade bread. Refrigerate herbed oils or process & seal in a hot water bath.
9 October 2009
at 2:37 p.m.

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tvf2k (Anonymous) says…

Now I'm hungry.

It's my birthday, Ronda, so feel free to make me a pie. Anything on it is fine, with the exception of anchovies. Don't mind anchovies, per se, just not on my pizza.
9 October 2009
at 3:40 p.m.

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justbegintowrite (Ronda Miller) says…

ret, leave my sister alone. She is Ms justmesis to you, ;) Did you notice the strong similarities between us - “just” in common, but she is actually slightly older.

Roe, and where is the veggie and fruit in that meal?

puddle, put your pizza where your mouth is - give us the recipe so we know for sure.

IAwildrose, thanks. If I'm in that area I'll check it out. I want to try making that myself.

beast, what a fun thing to do. I take it you made the colors with food coloring?

make_a_difference, yes, I try to fit as many whole grain items into my food groups as I can. We have to sometimes really work at doing it and especially with the huge amount of fruits and veggies in our diets. I figure if I don't start the day with three I'm running behind the rest of the day. Asparagus with pepper jack sounds awesome. Grate :) idea. hehehe

pye, thanks so much for sharing your friend's recipe. I love Thai food and would love to try it. I don't have any peanut sauces around but when I eat out I will often ask for them to send some of what they use home with me. Anyone have a terrific recipe for one, or even a brand name, please do share.

Also thanks for all the information about herbs. I love olive oil with herbs for dipping that whole grain bread in - I think I could live off of that and cheeses, fruits and veggies. I'll have to try infusing some of my own. I always mean to grow more herbs since I have my sunniest space right outside my doorway, but I haven't done it. I have mint, chocolate mint, dill, and basil now. Wonder how the chocolate mint would be in oil. Let us know once you get that recipe from your friend, Pye, please!

Happy birthday, tvf2k! I don't know you or I just might. You share a birthday with my nephew - yes, justmesis's son - and John Lennon and his son Sean Lennon. Now if John Lennon were alive, he would be a likely candidate for Nobel Peace prize. Have a terrific day and I hope you get all the pizza pie you want. ;)
9 October 2009
at 5:03 p.m.

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RoeDapple (Anonymous) says…

“Roe, and where is the veggie and fruit in that meal?”

Tomato sauce and pineapple chunks
(Along with other ingredients)
9 October 2009
at 5:07 p.m.

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tangential_reasoners_anonymous (Anonymous) says…

“So now what do YOU do?”

You know what I do. Pizza or otherwise, it's best when we do it together.
9 October 2009
at 5:26 p.m.

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justbegintowrite (Ronda Miller) says…

I love pineapple on my pizza as well. And I think if you eat enough pizza that tomato sauce may just count for a veggie servings…but that is eating a lot of pizza. I know, I know, you can do it.

Is pizza, like revenge, served best…cold? ;)
9 October 2009
at 5:37 p.m.

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tangential_reasoners_anonymous (Anonymous) says…

Hey, pizza avenger, we can always warm it up, again.

9 October 2009
at 7:26 p.m.

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SusieCreamcheeze (Anonymous) says…

WeatFields “Hawk and Cheeze”……yummy….Don't forget to put down that slice and do the “Art Walk” this weekend.
9 October 2009
at 8:32 p.m.

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autie (Anonymous) says…

Ronda, the temps are getting cooler. I smell cookies. Can you smell them? Maybe a little clove? cinnamon? Oh yes.
10 October 2009
at 5:56 p.m.

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justbegintowrite (Ronda Miller) says…

susie, I''d be walking fairly quickly as cold as it is! It is still worth the exercise though. Do you and your sis and mom have some art displayed at the Senior Center this year? There was some very fine artwork displayed their last year.

I can still smell and taste those cookies with the clove and cinnamon - I had to part with them, however as they were meant for another. Alas! ;*(
11 October 2009
at 7:14 p.m.

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camper (Anonymous) says…

Ronda, They had the best Pizza at the grammar school I was in back in the early seventies. We used to vote, and it was always Pizza friday. Nowdays I like double cheese, double sausage, onions, sardines, anchovies and garlic.
11 October 2009
at 10:31 p.m.

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thebcman (Anonymous) says…

tomatoes and olives are technically fruits.

best way to reheat pizza is in the oven (toaster oven works great for 1-2 slices) … the microwave murders the crust.

when making homemade pizza, bake the crust for 6-7 minutes before you add the sauce/cheese/toppings (then bake it again for 6-7 minutes)
12 October 2009
at 7:18 a.m.

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justmesis (Anonymous) says…

ret..Where you there for the actual “dinner”?
12 October 2009
at 7:19 a.m.

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justmesis (Anonymous) says…

So how cold is it out there in Kansas? Sounds frigid !!!
12 October 2009
at 7:50 a.m.

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schula (Anonymous) says…

Camper — really, you like sardines and anchovies on your pizza? On the same pizza? Remind me not to eat pizza with you!

Justmesis — right now it is 41 degrees

12 October 2009
at 8:01 a.m.

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honeychild (Mel Briscoe) says…

thanks, ronda…. NOW i'm hungry.
12 October 2009
at 9:31 a.m.

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RETICENT_IRREVERENT (Anonymous) says…

justmesis,
No, I was too busy counting shekels.
12 October 2009
at 9:40 a.m.

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justbegintowrite (Ronda Miller) says…

Ret, that is ms justmesis to you….remember? ;)

I agree schula - camper has some mighty disgusting likes when it comes to his pizza. But he seems so 'normal' otherwise.

honey, to day would be a great pizza baking day.

theabc, thanks for the suggestion. I hadn't tried my toaster before but do use it to warm up precooked pancakes and french toast. Super idea. I have not tried baking my pizza crust for a few minutes first either but will try that this next time around - possible in the next night or so. I am really wanting to try that Thai recipe that Pye mentioned!

Common…any dessert pizza favorites? Cherry pie filling goes terrific on the cornbread crust pizza….even scatter some cornbread batter over the top before baking…..

Hey, sis (that is Ms Sis to ret)…how did watching all the grandchildren go for the weekend? Hopefully you are rested enough to be at work. ;)
12 October 2009
at 9:41 a.m.

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justbegintowrite (Ronda Miller) says…

Camper…”they had the best pizza in school”….and this is the same person who likes sardines and anchovies….yep….
12 October 2009
at 2:56 p.m.

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tbaker (Anonymous) says…

Anyone have a good home-made pizza sauce recipe?
13 October 2009
at 10:58 p.m.

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thebcman (Anonymous) says…

tbaker … take a whole buncha red ripe tomatoes, cut 'em up, add a whole buncha italian seasonings (basil, oregano, marjoram) .. whatever ya got … add garlic and/or onion to taste and cook it til it looks done. Depending on the water content of your tomatoes, you may or may not need to add some water.

As far as a dessert pizza, I've never made one, but i did make a cool concoction with those pillsbury crescent rolls the other day. Spread 'em out, melted butter with brown sugar, cinnamon and allspice … spread that on top of the dough, added chopped pecans and fresh raspberries. Rolled 'em up and baked 'em. the process should work much the same for a dessert pizza.