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!