MISSION, KS--(Marketwire - May 24, 2010) - (Family Features) When asked to name their favorite foods, many people will undoubtedly include pizza as part of their list. In fact, 93 percent of Americans eat pizza at least once a month, and the average person eats pizza nearly three times a month, according to a recent study by Technomic (www.technomic.com).
As people continue to look for ways to save money, many are opting to eat in instead of going to restaurants or ordering take out. Instead of reaching for the phone the next time a pizza craving hits, why not try making one at home? It's more economical than take-out and fresher than frozen. And, with a few tips and tricks, it can be easy to create a signature pizza that rivals any pizzeria pie:
- To help ensure a perfect crust, mix the dough just enough to incorporate the ingredients.
- When stretching out the dough, the most important thing to focus on is an even thickness, not the shape.
- When it comes to toppings, anything goes. Get kids involved and let them be creative with vegetables, cheeses, mini meatballs, or try more traditional favorites, such as pepperoni, Italian sausage, mushrooms, green peppers and onions.
- To help prevent a soggy crust, limit the number of toppings and try to balance the proportions of sauce, cheese.
- Consider purchasing a pizza stone which mimics the special ovens used in restaurants.
To kick off your pizza-making adventures, try this easy recipe made with Idahoan Mashed Potatoes. The roasted garlic mashed potato mix is the foundation for a zesty crust. Visit www.idahoan.com for more recipes and meal ideas.
| Idahoan Pizza | |
| Prep Time: 15 Minutes | |
| Cook Time: 30 Minutes | |
| Total Time: 45 minutes | |
| Servings: 2 medium pizzas | |
| 2 | ounces warm water |
| 1 | tablespoon active, dry yeast |
| 2 1/4 | cups all purpose flour |
| 4 | ounce package dry Idahoan Roasted Garlic Flavored Mashed Potatoes |
| 6 | ounces cool water |
| 1 | ounce olive oil |
| 1 | tablespoon honey |
| Toppings: | |
| 1 to 1 1/2 | cups tomato sauce |
| 1 | 6-ounce package shredded mozzarella cheese diced ham, pepperoni, sausage, hamburger, pineapple chunks, green pepper, onion, extra cheese...use your imagination |
Stir yeast into warm water. Stir until dissolved. Add dry potatoes and flour.
Stir all other remaining ingredients into bowl. Knead by hand for approximately 5 minutes, or until dough is elastic and smooth.
Place dough in a sprayed mixing bowl. Set in a warm area, covered with a towel, and let rise for 1 hour.
Punch down dough and divide into two halves. On a lightly floured surface, roll dough out until very thin. The shape of the pizza doesn't really matter. The idea is for it to be home style, not perfect.
Preheat oven to 400°F.
Place dough on baking sheet or pizza sheet. Top with desired amount of pizza sauce, spreading evenly.
Evenly distribute cheese and your favorite toppings
Bake for 17 - 21 minutes, or until crust edges become light brown.
When pizza is done, take out of oven and let rest for 3 minutes. Slice and serve.
