Personal Pizzas

Pizza is amazing to begin with, but it is even better when you get your own!!! I have included the recipe for the great crust and the easy pizza sauce, but top it with whatever you would like. I chose to keep mine healthy; The picture below is LOADED with vegetables. I tossed on a bunch of sliced vegetables including: red onion, broccoli, spinach, red bell pepper, green bell pepper, Anaheim pepper, red chili flakes, Parmesan, and slices of garlic cream cheese. Give it a try, it's delicious.

Tips:

Yes, cornmeal - Cornmeal gives the crust great chew and texture; it also helps the pizza from sticking to the pans. I also feel like the cornmeal gives the crust a little more structure to hold up the toppings. You can use white or yellow cornmeal, either can be found in the cereal or baking aisle at the grocery store.

Oven Temperature: 425 degrees

Prep Time: 10-15 minutes

Bake Time: 25-30 minutes 

Servings: 2 8-9" pizzas  

Crust
1 package (1/4 ounce) dry active yeast
1 cup warm water (110 - 115 degrees)
2 Tablespoon vegetable oil
1 teaspoon sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 1/2 - 2 3/4 cups all purpose flour
Cornmeal


Directions:

1) Preheat the oven to 425 degrees.

2) In a large bowl, dissolve the yeast in the warm water.  

3) Add to the bowl the oil, sugar, salt, and 1 1/2 cups of the flour. Gradually stir in enough remaining flour to create a smooth dough.

4) Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead slightly. 

5) Cover the dough with plastic wrap and let it rise for 10 minutes (**meanwhile prepare the sauce).

6) Lightly grease two baking sheets or pizza pans and sprinkle with cornmeal.

7) Uncover dough and divide the dough into two.

8) On the pans, shape the two pieces of dough into 8-9 inch circles. Roll the edges over slightly to create an outer crust. 

9) DO NOT ALLOW THE CRUST TO RISE! Pierce the center of the crust a few times with a fork.

10) Place the dough in the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes or until golden. 

11) Remove the crust from the oven and top with your choice of ingredients. 

12) Return the pizzas to the oven and bake for an additional 12-15 minutes.


Sauce
1 1/3 cups tomato sauce
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning 
1/2 teaspoon (1-2 cloves) garlic, minced
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
Salt and pepper

Directions:

1) In a microwave-safe bowl, combine all of the ingredients.

2) Cover the bowl with a paper towel or plastic wrap. 

3) Microwave on high for 30-45 seconds. Serve.