Homemade Pizza - Day 9

Besides my new KitchenAid, I also have a new interest in what I call, "Moderate Frugality". Which is my euphemistic way of saying, "We really need to cut down on spending, but I just can't live without ziplocks and meat every day." Right now the focus is on cutting my outrageous grocery bill in half. Seriously, it's shameful.

One item that comes up over and over on frugality websites and in books is homemade pizza dough. I'm a huge fan (well, not a literally huge fan, but in spirit, yes) of Pizza in all of it's varieties. I grew up in Seattle eating Shakey's Pizza and since moving to the South 20 years ago I've migrated to the big-chain pizzas of Pappa Johns. All of that changed last night when Betty and I whipped up an unattractive but extremely tasty pepperoni & bacon creation.

Tonight I am going to introduce you to the CHEAP and, in my opinion, very tasty pizza crust. I'll also be showing off Betty's KitchenAid Tasting Crew, also known as The Ravenous Horde that, despite very little assistance with preparation of the food, feel very free to openly offer opinions on all foods inhaled at the table...or on the counter..or...on the sofa. Believe me, the RHs will be 100% clear with their opinions.

Recipe for KitchenAid Crust Crust Pizza Dough:

SERVES 4 -6 , 1 14inch pizza

• 1 package active dry yeast
• 1 cup warm water
• 1/2 tsp warm water
• 2 tsp olive oil
• 21/2 - 31/2 cups all purpose flour
  

1. Dissolve yeast in warm water in warmed bowl.
2. Add salt, olive oil, and 2 1/2 cup flour.
3. Attach bowl and dough hook, turn to speed 2 and mix 1 minute.
4. Continuing on speed 2, add remaining flour, 1/2 cup at a time, until dough clings to dough hook and cleans sides of bowl. Knead on speed 2 for 2 minutes.
5. Place in greased bowl, turning to grease top.
6. Cover, let rise in warm place until doubled in bulk (about 1 hour).
7. Punch dough down.
8. Brush 14 inch pizza pan with oil.
9. Press dough across bottom of pan forming collar around edge to hold filling Top with fillings and bake at 450°F for 15 to 20 minutes.

Ravenous Hoard Ratings: Only 4 of the 5 testers offered their opinions today (which means they are in the room and I'm too lazy to go and look for for the eldest). We'll call the system "Bettys". One Betty being the lowest, and five Bettys being the highest.
Kate: 5 Bettys!
Victoria: 1 Betty
Maddie: 4 Bettys (comment: need more cheese)
Teresa: 5 Bettys!

I'd call this a success. We're definitely adding homemade pizza to our menu planning. :) YEAH.