#678 - Deep Dish Pizza

(by Shirley McNevich)

3 1/2 cups flour
1 1/2 cups water
1/2 cup yellow cornmeal
1/2 cup canola oil
1 tsp. white sugar
1 tsp. salt
2 1/4 tsp. active dry yeast
3 1/2 cups crushed tomatoes (if you can find crushed tomatoes that contains different varieties of tomatoes in the same can, it is much better)
fresh grated Parmesan cheese
sliced mozzarella cheese
sliced provolone cheese
pizza seasoning OR Italians seasoning OR oregano
Your choice of extra toppings (pepperoni, sausage, etc.)
Regular olive oil (NOT extra virgin)

In a mixer with the dough hook attachment add water, white sugar, yeast, flour, cornmeal and salt--mix on low for a few minutes, then slowly add the canola oil. Once all of the oil has been added, mix the dough for 7-8 minutes. Remove the dough from the mixer and form it into a smooth ball. Drop the dough ball into a bowl and place a dish towel over the top--place the covered bowl in the refrigerator overnight. The next day move your lowest oven rack to the bottom third of your oven and preheat the oven to 450 degrees for ONE HOUR. Do NOT skip this step! Remove the bowl from the refrigerator and set it on the counter for the entire hour while the oven is heating up. Use regular olive oil to grease a 15" wide/2" deep pizza pan. Place the dough in the center of the pizza pan and work it out to cover the entire bottom, then work it up the sides of the pan. Use the slices of mozzarella and provolone cheese to cover the entire bottom of the crust. Add your desired toppings next (such as pepperoni, sausage, etc.). Top with the 3 1/2 cups of crushed tomatoes. Sprinkle the pizza seasoning on top of the tomatoes (or Italian seasonings, oregano, etc.). Finally, sprinkle the entire top with the fresh grated Parmesan cheese. Place the pizza in the center of the bottom oven rack (making sure the rack is in the bottom third of the oven). You may want to place a cookie sheet under the pizza pan to catch any drips. Bake 20-25 minutes or until the crust is golden brown. Remove from oven and let it set for 3-5 minutes before cutting.

#612 - Easy Bisquick Pizza

(by Shirley McNevich)

1 1/2 cups Bisquick
1/3 cup hot water
1 jar of your favorite pizza sauce
your favorite pizza toppings (pepperoni, sausage, etc.)
1 bag Kraft shredded mozzarella cheese

Preheat oven to 425 degrees. In a bowl add Bisquick and hot water--stir until mixed with a spoon, then continue to work it with your hands until a dough ball forms. Grease a 12" pizza pan or cookie sheet. Press dough into the pizza pan or form your pizza in the center of the cookie sheet (if using the cookie sheet, make it about 12" around and slightly crimp the edges to help hold your toppings. Use a spoon to add the pizza sauce, then add your toppings. Top with shredded mozzarella cheese. Bake at 425 degrees for 13-17 minutes or until crust is golden brown (you can use a spatula to look at the bottom of the crust to make sure it's done).