Pizza Party!

Hello,

Pizza party's in our family is a tradition that is celebrated just like any other major Holiday!!!  We try to them once or twice a year and it is quite the event!  I became the official "dough" maker in 2007 and have been doing it ever since.  I have to admit, I was pretty nervous my first time, but I always had a fall back plan in mind (Trader Joe's).  I never had to resort to this option, it always turns out and it's actually fairly simple.  I usually make 25-30 doughs for the party however, this recipe can certainly be made for smaller events or for a simple Friday night pizza & wine gathering with friends! 

Pizza Dough Recipe:

1 package active dry yeast
1 teaspoon honey
1 cup warm water
3 cups all purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
2 Tablespoons olive oil - plus more for brushing

In a measuring cup, dissolve the yeast and honey in 1/4 cup warm water.

In a mixer fitted with a dough hook, combine flour, salt and olive oil.  Start mixing at a low speed to combine and add your above yeast mixture. Now add the remaining 3/4 cup of warm water and continue to mix at a low speed until the dough comes cleanly away from the sides of the bowl and mixes around the hook (about 5 minutes). 

Turn the dough out onto a clean work surface and knead by hand for about 3 minutes.  The dough should be smooth and firm.  Cover with a clean, damp towel and let rise for about 30 minutes (the dough will double in size).  

Divide the dough into 4 balls, work each ball by pulling down the sides and tucking under the bottom of the ball.  Gently roll in a soft, smooth ball. Lightly brush with olive oil and place in a plastic bread bag.  

My family cooks the pizza in a wood fired oven as you can see from the video however, this dough can be cooked in a traditional oven as well.  Just be sure to use a pizza stone.  Place your stone on the middle rack and preheat your oven to 500 degrees. 

To prepare each pizza, place a bit of flour on a clean surface and lightly dust your dough.  Shake off excess and start to stretch the dough.  Press down in the center, spreading the doll with a rolling pin into a 8 inch circle.  

Using a lightly floured baker's peel, gently pick up the rolled dough and add to the peel.  Add topping of your choice and slide the pizza onto the baking stone until the pizza is browned and cooked to perfection! 

Transfer the pizza to a firm surface and cut into slices….service right away or if you wish to makes extra….go ahead and freeze.  You can reheat them in the toaster oven and come out freshly baked. 

You can substitute whole wheat flour for white flour if you wish.  I have done both and the only difference, the white flour tends be lighter and the whole wheat flour is a bit heavier and hearty! 

Enjoy!   

Chocolate Dipped Pretzels

Hello,

Halloween is just around the corner and I am really excited to celebrate this year!  The house is decorated & I am in creativity mode!  Yesterday, I had the day off from work and decided I would make some fun treats for my adorable nieces and nephew!  These are simple and can be made for any special event or Holiday...Simply adjust the sprinkles and colored chocolate to match your theme! 

Chocolate Covered Pretzels

Pretzel Rods
Semi Sweet Chocolate Chips
1 Tablespoon of Canola Oil
Decorations of your choice (use your imagination here...I have used crushed cookies, nuts and candy but find smaller items such as sprinkles and colored chocolate tend to "stick" better)

In a non-stick pan (I used a frying pan for size), melt your chocolate with oil and allow to melt.  Do not overcook and allow the chocolate to become runny....it is better to have it a bit on the thicker side.  Roll the pretzel rod about a third of the way up in chocolate and allow to cool on a parchment paper lined cookie sheet (add your sprinkles and toppings at this point while chocolate is not fully hard).  Once you fill the cookie sheet, place in the refrigerator until chocolate hardens.  Enjoy....

Butternut Squash Soup

Hello,

The weather is getting cooler here in Southern California and I decided to make this hearty butternut squash soup.  I served mine with grilled cheese sandwiches (making them as healthy as possible)!  I will include instructions on how this was done as well.  Enjoy! 

Butternut Squash Soup

1 Large White Onion Finely Chopped

1 Bunch of Celery – Chopped

1 Orange or Yellow Bell Pepper Seeded & Chopped

1 Large or 2 Medium Sweet Potatoes Peeled and Chopped

3 Cloves of Garlic

2 Medium - Large Butternut Squash (Whole) or you can cheat and buy the pre-chopped 

½ Cup of White Wine

2 Quarts Chicken Stock

¼ Cup Olive Oil

Dried Rosemary & Thyme (Medium Pinch of Each)

Pesto (I used the Costco pre-made brand)

Salt and Pepper to Taste

In a large stock pot, heat olive oil & sauté onion/garlic, celery and bell peppers until browned.  Add your sweet potato, butternut squash, herbs, white wine and chicken stock.  Make sure you have enough liquids to generously cover the vegetables (The vegetables will cook down and if the consistency is too thick, add more chicken stock or water).  Allow to cook until everything is soft.  Puree and adjust season with Salt & Pepper.

Side Note Regarding Butternut Squash:  If using whole squash, cut off ends, slice length wise down the middle, scoop out seeds, drizzle with olive oil & place on a cookie sheet flesh side down.   Roast in oven on 375 degrees for 45 minutes until soft.  Remove flesh from skin and add to stockpot.

Serve with Pesto swirled in.

Healthier Version of a Grilled Cheese Sandwich:

2 slices of Sara Lee 45 Calorie Bread

1 Slice Extra Sharp Cheddar Cheese

1 Tablespoon of Fresh Avocado

Coconut Oil in Spray Form (Sold at Trader Joe's)

Lightly spray one side of each piece of bread with coconut oil, add cheese to bread, brown in a hot non-stick pan. Once cooked and cheese is melted, remove from heat and add avocado.