My new toy

Here is a picture of my new piece of exercise equipment. That's not me, though. It's really fun and easy to use. It's very quiet and I don't have to put on any shoes in particular; any shoes will do, even my slippers! I work up a sweat and can feel the aerobic benefit, but mostly I can feel it in my legs. I don't know if the elliptical has anything to do with it, but I've dropped a couple pounds, too.

I am fascinated with this kind of lettering, in fact I am practicing and creating some of my own. My style isn't this wild and crazy but I'm trying it out. I'll share some of mine here when I take some pictures of it.

Homemade Pepperoni Pizza

About 25 years ago we had dinner with some new friends. They made pizza with homemade dough. I loved it! I've been using this same recipe ever since. In fact we just had this same pizza for dinner tonight. I thought I would share it with you.

Place 1 Tablespoon active dry yeast and 1 teaspoon sugar in a big bowl. Carefully pour in 1 cup of very warm (but not hot) water. I'm told it's about 115 degrees. In a few minutes you will see it bubble as the yeast dissolves and interacts with the sugar. That's called proofing. When the yeast is proofed, add the following ingredients: 2 Tablespoons sugar, 2 Tablespoons canola or olive oil, 1 teaspoon salt, and half of the flour. The total amount of flour is 2 3/4 cups. In order to not have to knead, add half of the flour and mix 2 minutes until elasticy with an electric mixer. Then by hand or with a bread hook attachment, mix in the rest of the flour.

You can let the dough rise while you grate your cheese and prepare your sauce and toppings. On an oiled surface, press the dough from the middle out. When the dough won't spread out, just wait a minute while it does its magic and in a bit it'll let you press it to the edge. After you oil the pan, try sprinkling it with corn meal for that special crunch. This dough works without having to rise, but rising is good for it, too.

It may take a little longer than 30 minutes from start to finish the first couple of times, but once you get used to it, I expect you should be able to make it and bake it in 30 minutes.


Add sauce, mozzarella cheese and toppings. In a preheated oven, bake for approximately 18 minutes. Let it cool a little before cutting.


Tips:


This recipe makes one 15 inch round pizza. If you prefer a thinner, crispier crust don't use all the dough Or double the recipe for three pizzas.

You can use a cookie sheet or jelly roll pan, or even a cake pan. You will want to adjust the amount of dough to the pan you choose.

This dough will keep several days in a zip-bag in the refrigerator.

Freezes well. Thaw it in the fridge.

Makes terrific garlic bread. Press dough out on pizza pan and spread with softened butter. Sprinkle garlic and spices over all.

Make a second pizza while you're at it, cut it up and wrap pieces for lunches.

This is one of our favorites. I hope you will give it a try!