Ten Minute Cheaters Pizza Recipes

QUICK PIZZA DOUGH

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 500 degrees. NOT BROIL. If you have a pizza stone, be sure it's in the oven before you turn it on (This prevents is from cracking). If you are not using a pizza stone you can use the back of a cookie sheet -- see instructions below.
• Pour the warm water in a large bowl. Add the yeast and let it sit for about a minute until it's looking a little foamy.
• Add the flour, sugar, salt, and olive oil. Stir to combine (I use a sturdy spatula or wooden spoon) and form a shaggy dough.
• Flour a clean work surface and dump the dough onto it. Knead the dough for about 4 minutes, incorporating any dry bits that weren't mixed in the bowl.
• Place the dough back in the bowl and cover it with a kitchen towel (I know the bowl is dirty; it's fine.). Put the bowl on top of the stove (the heat from the oven will make the dough more pliable) and let it sit for 5 minutes.
• While you wait for the dough, get your pizza toppings ready -- grate your cheese, slice onions and peppers, etc.
• If you have a pizza peel, rub it with flour and dust with cornmeal (this prevents sticking). If you do not have a pizza peel you can use a wooden cutting board OR you can assemble and bake on THE BACK of a cookie sheet.
• Divide the dough in half (well-floured hands help) and stretch it carefully into a circle. I like a thinner crust so I just leave a slight lip around the edge of my circle and I stretch it pretty thin but this is all about preference (Note: thicker dough will take a little longer to cook).
• Place your circle on the peel/cutting board/cookie sheet you set up and add your toppings.
• If you are using the cookie sheet, place it right in the oven (middle rack) and bake for 10 minutes.
• If you heated a pizza stone in the oven, carefully slide your pizza off the peel or cutting board and onto the stone. Bake for 10 minutes (more if you opted for a thicker crust) or until the crust is golden and the cheese is melted.
• Repeat with the second dough.
• EAT.

TEN-MINUTE CHEATER'S PIZZA

Steps:

• Want pizza? It takes a few minutes! Here's the trick: keep pitas or tortillas, meat, and cheese in the freezer.
• You can freeze a 2 inch stick of pepperoni in the freezer, and cut off the amount you need with a good sharp, warm, knife.
• If you have a bag of shredded mozza in the freezer, it is easy to take only the amount you need.
• Always keep a can or jars of plain tomato sauce in the house (you can then use it for pasta or other meals too).
• Put tomato sauce on pita, put on basil and oregano, then cheese, then veggies, then meat.
• Stick it in the oven or toaster oven at 375F degrees for about 7 minutes (until done).
• Sometimes I make the original recipie with hot italian sausage.
• You can keep a link of italian sausage in the freezer.
• Just make sure you skin and cook it first (takes only a few minutes in a frying pan).
• A good snack or appetizer I make uses a tortilla, tomato sauce, basil, a little freshly ground pepper, and feta cheese.
• Simple, and tastes gourmet!