Pizza / Focaccia

on

 


Pizza / Focaccia Dough


ingredients

1 package active dry yeast or 2  1/4 teaspoons 

1 teaspoon white sugar

1 tsp salt

1 1/2 cup warm water (95-110 degrees F)

3  cups flour

2 tablespoons olive oil for pizza ( for focaccia 1/4 cup for dough + more for top before baking)

Assorted toppings: green pepper, mushrooms, tomatoes, onions, olives etc


For Focaccia only -

Kosher salt


Tools

1 small and 1 Large mixing bowl

spatula or wooden spoon

rolling pin

Cutting board

Knife

Pizza pan/ baking pan



PIZZA
_____________________________________________________________________________

  1. Pour warm water into small bowl; stir in yeast and mix well. ( Water should not be lukewarm, it should be slightly warmer than body temperature) 

  2. Set aside and let stand until yeast dissolves, about 5 minutes.

  3. In large bowl mix together 3 cups flour, sugar, and salt. 

  4. Mix in  olive oil to yeast mixture and then pour into flour mixture. 

  5. Knead using your hands or a spoon or spatula until there is no left over flour in the bowl and dough forms a sticky ball. 

  6. Add more flour by tablespoon if dough is very sticky.

  7. Move dough out onto floured work surface. Stretch and fold, then let dough rest  while you wash and dry mixing bowl, then brush bowl with oil.  

  8. Transfer dough to prepared bowl; turn dough in bowl to coat with oil. Cover bowl with plastic wrap or damp towel and let dough rise in warm draft-free area until doubled in volume, 30 minutes to an hour. 

  9. Prepare sauce and toppings.

  10. Once dough has risen,  pour it out onto floured work surface and shape into ball. ( If making two small pizzas cut ball in half and reshape into two balls.)

  11. Roll out dough using rolling pin. Start in center of dough, work out toward edges but try not roll over them.

  12. Add about 3 tablespoons of sauce and spread out over dough.

  13. Add aprx 2 cups cheese and garnish with toppings.

  14. If using a pizza stone no greasing is required but if using a pizza pan you may want to lightly grease the pan with olive oil. I often dust with a little cornmeal too to help it not to stick.

  15. Bake  for 15 -20 minutes. Let cool before cutting.


Dough can be made 1 day ahead and stored in airtight container or plastic food storage bag in refrigerator. Can store unused dough  in refrigerator for 5 - 7 days. 

 Can store unused dough in freezer -  store for up to 6 months.  Leave in refrigerator 1 day ahead to thaw before using. 



  1. To Make focaccia  we will follow the recipe above for the dough but let it rise a second time for 30-60 minutes. 

Use 2-3 tbs of olive oil to grease a 13x9 pan. 
  1. After the first rise of 30-40 minutes pour the dough out onto floured work surface and stretch and fold and shape into ball. Let rest for 10-15 minutes.
  2. Roll or pat dough into shape to fit the pan. Place in the oiled pan then flip it over to coat both sides with oil .
  3. Allow it to rise for 30-60 minutes. 
  4. While waiting for the dough to rise prepare your vegetables.
  5. Preheat the oven to 450 degrees.
  6. After the dough has risen press your fingers into the dough to make dimples.
  7. Pour 1-2 tbs of olive oil over dough, use brush or fingers to spread
  8. Arrange veggies and herbs if using
  9. Sprinkle with  1 tsp Kosher salt
  10. Reduce oven to 400 - Bake for 20-30 min. until golden brown.



 







Homemade pizza  - What does it cost? (2020 grocery prices)

5 lb flour  $3.48 /  17 cups   = .20 per cup  

  • 3 cups of flour = .60


16 oz bag of cheese 3.99 / 2 cups = $2.00


6 oz can of tomato paste  = .79 / 8 TBS = .10 per TBS

  • 2 tbs  = .20


4 oz  jar yeast = $5.99/ 36 teaspoons = .16 cents per teaspoon  

  • 2.25 teaspoons  = .36 cents


5 Tbs Olive Oil        .34 cents

Approximate cost of  large  homemade cheese pizza = $3.50