There’s something about making one’s own pizza that makes one feel ever so accomplished! Or maybe it’s just me, I’m a little weird that way. No, I really think it’s everyone. I’ve never seen anyone, young or old, not extremely pleased with themselves after creating their own pizza, even if it’s at one of those restaurants where you make it at the table and they bake it for you. My girls love going to Flatbread Pizzeria here in Bend and making their own little cheese pizzas. I’ve never seen them eat pizza so well! Ella even had mushrooms on hers the last time we went there. Proof that, when kids are involved with preparing their food, they are much more likely to eat it. Anyway, I have resolved to let them have that experience right here at home on a more regular basis. It’s far more economical, even if you purchase already made dough and sauce, and kids will generally try more toppings if they are all right in front of them.
Before prepping your pizzas, preheat oven to 475 degrees. If you are using a pizza stone, place it in the cold oven then allow it to preheat for @ 30 minutes, or longer, so it’s good and hot. If you are using a baking sheet, preheat the sheet for 10-15 minutes before placing the pizza on it.
Lightly flour the pizza dough and roll out to the shape and size you want. Generously sprinkle pizza peel/paddle (a cutting board would work too) with cornmeal and place shaped dough on it. I’ve learned, the hard way, that the crust will stick to the stone if you don’t use enough cornmeal so don’t be bashful with it. It’s not going to really affect the texture or flavor of the pizza because most of it will fall right off after it’s cooked. Rub a little olive oil over the dough before you start with the toppings.
Once you have your toppings assembled (sauce, cheese, meat, veggies, you know what you like)…
Have your pizza artists begin to assemble the pie of their dreams…
Carefully, transfer pizza directly on to the preheated stone or pan and allow to bake until crust is brown and cheese is bubbly – about 8-10 minutes.
Dad and Mom’s final products…
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