Pizza Dough

Happy New Year Everyone! 

Today is a hot and sunny day, much to what I have believed it should be because it signifies a new beginning for 2013! The children are excited and sad at the same time. Tomorrow, they will start a new school year again!

As for me, I attempted to make pizza from scratch today. For the very first time, I made a pizza dough, knead it and set aside for it to rise. However, it didn't rise as much as I expected. Nevertheless, all of us enjoyed the oven hot homemade pizza! 

After lunch, I watched a video by Susan's Cooking School and read her FAQ on the making of the pizza dough. I discovered that the reason why my dough didn't rise as much could be due to a few reasons: poor quality yeast which I purchased. It is better for me to use bread flour than plain flour as it has higher protein.I should also stretch the dough to fit into my tray instead of rolling it (that probably flatten out the air in the dough and make my pizza crust hard than fluffy). Hmm...I am determined for my second attempt soon :)

Recipe for Pizza Dough (from Taste.com.au)

• • Ingredients
  
  
  • 375ml (1 1/2 cups) warm water
  • 2 tsp (7g/1 sachet) dried yeast
  • Pinch of caster sugar
  • 600g (4 cups) plain flour
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 60ml (1/4 cup) olive oil, plus extra for brushing

• Method

1. Step 1
   Combine the water, yeast and sugar in a small bowl. Set aside for 5 minutes or until foamy. Combine the flour and salt in a large bowl and make a well in the centre. Add the yeast mixture and oil. Use a round-bladed knife in a cutting motion to mix until the mixture is combined. Use your hands to bring the dough together in the bowl.
2. Step 2
   Brush a bowl lightly with oil. Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 10 minutes or until smooth and elastic. Place in the prepared bowl and turn to coat in oil. Cover with plastic wrap and set aside in a warm, draught-free place to rise for 30 minutes or until dough doubles in size.
   
   

 Step 3         When it is time to bake, roll out the dough to

                    fit into your lightly greased tray.

 Step 4         Spread on some pizza sauce (mixed with a
                    little of the syrup from the canned pineapples)
                    and any toppings you like. Drizzle a little olive
                    oil and bake at 240C for 10 mins, or until the 
                    cheese starts bubbling and the edges turn 
                    nicely crisp.

Homemade pizza smothered with fresh mushrooms, pineapple cubes,  ham, turkey shreds, 
green pepper and mozzarella cheese! Yummy!