Christmas Eve tradition in our house has always been pizza and fish. My mother and grandmother used to start early December 23rd and end into the evening making pizza. Our dining room table was covered with bowls of proofing dough. My mother’s pizzas were always delicious! I continue to follow her recipe for my pizza sauce which is in my opinion, too die for! However, I’ve revised her dough recipe with 00 flour instead of all purpose.
Pizza Dough
makes 2 – 14”-15” or 3 – 12” pizza
Ingredients
1 package active dry yeast or 2 1/4 tsp if using jar
1 teaspoon sugar
1 cup warm water
1 tablespoon kosher salt
2 TBS Extra-virgin olive oil
3 cups 00 flour, plus more for dusting
Directions
In the bowl of a standing electric mixer fitted with a dough hook, combine the yeast, sugar, and warm water; stir gently to dissolve. Let the mixture stand until the yeast starts to foam, about 10 minutes.
Turn the mixer on low and add the 2 tablespoons of olive oil and salt. Add flour, a little at a time, mixing on low speed until all the flour has been incorporated. Scrape sides down. When the dough starts to come together, increase the speed to medium; While mixing if dough looks crumbly, add more water; if it’s too sticky, add more flour – 1 tablespoon at a time. Mix until the dough gathers into a ball, this should take about 6 minutes.
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead until it’s smooth and elastic. Form the dough into a round ball and place in a lightly oiled bowl, turn it over to coat. Cover with plastic wrap lightly oiled or a damp towel and let it proof/rise in a warm spot until doubled in size, about 1 hour.
Once the dough has proofed, turn it out onto a lightly floured surface. Divide into 2 or 3 equal pieces. Cover and let rest for 10 minutes so it will be easier to roll out.
Preheat oven to 500 degrees if using a pizza stone. Or preheat to 450 degrees and move oven rack to lower part of oven but not right on the bottom.
Begin to make your pies. On a lightly floured surface or pizza peel, if you have a pizza stone or lightly oiled pizza pan or rectangular sheet pan roll out your dough.
Spread a thin layer of sauce (not too much or crust will be soggy).
Then top with shredded mozzarella cheese and a favorite topping if desired.
cook about 10-12 minutes or until crust is. golden and cheese is bubbly.
Michelle Cooks with Love 