Pizza Crust

About six years ago, I started making my own pizza crusts. I started with just white flour, then tried just whole wheat, and then experimented with blends of different amounts. I also started kneading by hand, until I learned how to use the food processor. I think I've finally found what is the perfect recipe!

This dough can be frozen before the rising step if desired. Just put it in a tupperware and stick it in the freezer. On the day you will be using it, put it into the refrigerator in the morning, and it will be thawed enough to take out and rise during the evening. You might have to add a little to the rising time.

I usually bake my pizzas on a pizza stone, as it distributes the heat most evenly. But a regular cookie sheet works as well. If using a pizza stone, it should be put in the oven during the pre-heating time. This means you have to work with it when it's hot. But it makes a big difference in the results!

Ingredients:

1 cup water, slightly warm
2 tsp active dry yeast
1 tsp sugar
1 cup whole wheat flour
1 1/3 cups white flour
1/2 tsp salt
1 T olive oil

1. Dissolve the yeast and sugar in the water, stirring well. Set aside for about ten minutes until foamy on top.
2. In a food processor with the basic metal blade, blend together the flours, salt, and olive oil.
3. With the food processor running, slowly pour in the water-yeast mixture. The dough should form into a solid mass.
4. Turn the dough out onto a clean surface. If it seems too wet, add a little more white flour.
5. Shape the dough into a ball and place it in a large mixing bowl that has been sprayed with cooking spray. Cover with a cloth and allow to rise, preferably in a warm place, for about an hour. It is finished when it has doubled in size. (I usually have it sitting near the stove while I am making up sauce and preheating the oven -- this keeps it nice and warm.)
6. When ready, preheat the oven to 425F. If using a pizza stone, put it in the oven during this time.
7. When the oven is ready, sprinkly your pizza stone or baking sheet liberally with cornmeal or flour. Flatten the dough into a large circle on the pan. Add sauce, cheese, and toppings. Bake at 425 for about 15 minutes, until the crust edges are firm and the cheese is just starting to brown.

This is a very healthy dough! When I was on Weight Watchers, I made it with half the amount of olive oil and it was worth 2-points per slice (8 slices total) before the toppings.

*The pizza in the photo was made with my homemade sauce, mozzerella cheese, soy pepperoni, green peppers, onions, and mushrooms.