Pizza Party

For your next small party why not get all of your guests involved with the food.  My husband and I recently hosted a pizza party where we had several individual size pizza dough balls, tomato sauce, several kinds a grated cheeses and a variety of toppings.  We had a pizza stone on the barbecue and guests made their own pizza.  While making and waiting for the pizzas to cook, everyone had a fun time chatting and sipping on red wine.   As the hostess, I had little stress about the food and entertaining because all of our friends had so much fun coming up with their own creation.

Here is my favorite and trusted pizza recipe

Herb Pizza dough

Ingredients

• 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
• 1/2 teaspoon brown sugar
• 1 1/2 cups warm water (110 degrees F/45 degrees C)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 1/3 cups all-purpose flour

Directions

1. In a large bowl, dissolve the yeast and brown sugar in the water, and let sit for 10 minutes.

2. Stir the salt, dried basil, dried oregano, garlic powder and oil into the yeast solution. Mix in 2 1/2 cups of the flour.

3. Turn dough out onto a clean, well floured surface, and knead in more flour until the dough is no longer sticky. Place the dough into a well oiled bowl, and cover with a cloth. Let the dough rise until double (about 1 hour. Punch down the dough, and form a tight ball. For individual size pizza divide into 3 or 4 balls. Allow the dough to relax for a minute before pressing out. Use for your favorite pizza recipe.

4. Preheat oven to 425 degrees F (220 degrees C). If you are baking the dough on a pizza stone, place your toppings on the dough, and bake immediately. If you are baking your pizza in a pan, lightly oil the pan, and let the dough rise for 15 or 20 minutes before topping and baking it.

5. Bake pizza in preheated oven, until the cheese and crust are golden brown, about 15 to 20 minutes.

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