So today I was flipping through the newspaper…you know those three minutes, if even, that we have in the morning to sum up everything that is going on in the world, check the weather, and maybe, just maybe catch a glimpse of the entertainment news?
Okay, who am I kidding? Let’s switch that around.
…you know those three minutes, if even, that we have in the morning to sum up everything that is going on in the entertainment news, check the weather, and maybe, just maybe catch a glimpse of what is going on in the world?
Seriously, moms, you get it. There are times when our minds can only handle so much.
Well, anyways, this morning, I happened to see an article about these new cookbooks that are designed for busy moms who need to do the majority of their cooking during their kids’ naptimes only to finish off a few things at mealtime. Genius right? I need to get some of those, but in the meantime, I thought I would share some recipes here and there that fit that bill. (See TIPS tab for cookbook titles and authors).
For instance, did you ever think that you could prepare homemade pizza in time for a weeknight dinner? I know, I know, it is really easy to call the local pizza place and have a hot meal delivered right to your door. I agree–we all need to do that sometimes. But, homemade pizza is sooooo much better. Like, no contest, better. So, on those nights where you can barely find a second to cook, order that pizza from your favorite place. But, if you have a bit of time during your child’s naptime, give this pizza dough a chance. It doesn’t take long with a little planning, and the results are really worth it. I will share my fresh tomato sauce recipe soon…
Homemade dough, fresh tomato sauce, fresh mozzarella and a few of your favorite pizza toppings and you have a pizza that will leave you second guessing that pizza delivery place.
NOTE: There are two rising periods for this dough. If you are making it on a weekend when you have tons of time (haha)…no worries, just start it early. But, if you are trying to make it on a weekday, make the dough right when your child goes down for a nap. Let it rise for 1 1/2 hours and then right when you hear your child wake up and before you moan, “already????” stretch it on to the baking sheet so it can rise the 2nd time. If it needs to rise longer than one hour, before you finish it off, that is fine. Just leave it covered until you are ready to prepare, which at that point, should only take a few minutes before you throw it in the oven! Pizza for dinner! 🙂
Basic Pizza Dough-makes 1 pizza serving 6
1 envelope active dry yeast
1 1/3 cups warm water (105-115 degrees)
2 tsp sugar
2 tsp salt
4 cups all purpose flour
Olive oil
Sprinkle the yeast over the water in a small bowl.Add sugar. Let stand for 5 minutes while yeast comes alive and gets creamy. Stir until dissolved. In a large bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook, combine the flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture and mix with dough hook until a soft dough forms. If dough seems too sticky, add a little more flour. If dough seems too dry, add a little water. Let the mixer knead the dough for 10 minutes until it is smooth and elastic. Coat another large bowl with olive oil. Remove dough from mixing bowl and add to oiled bowl turning dough to coat. Cover with plastic wrap and place in a warm, draft free place. Let rise until doubled about 1 1/2 hours.
Brush a 15x10x1 baking sheet with olive oil. . With your fist, flatten the dough. Place the dough on baking sheet and and stretch and flatten to fit. Cover with plastic wrap and let rise for about an hour. Preheat oven to 450 degrees. Bake pizza dough for 15 minutes. Remove, add sauce,cheese and toppings. Bake for 15 minutes or until cheese is melted, browned and bubbly.
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