Herb Pizza Dough

Herb Pizza Dough

Introduction: 
This was just like the plain dough but with a little twist, the active ingredient in it is the yeast, this makes the dough rise because the yeast eats the sugars and releases C02. The key to making good dough is letting it sit so that the yeast can do its job. This time I added herbs.

Materials:

2 and 1/4 tsp. Active Dry Yeast

1 tsp. white sugar

1 cup warm water

2 and 1/2 cups bread flour plus a little more for kneeding the dough

1 tsp. salt

2 and 1/2 tbsp. olive oil plus a couple more for brushing crust and pan

1/2 tsp. basil

1/2 tsp. oregano

1/4 tsp. onion powder

1/2 tsp. rosemary

A couple of grinds of fresh black pepper or a couple of dashes of ground pepper

1/2 tsp. garlic powder

Procedure:

1.  Preheat oven to 450 degrees.  Heat 1 cup of water in a microwave safe bowl on medium-high heat for 45 seconds.  Place the 1 tsp. white sugar and 2 and 1/4 tsp. Active Dry Yeast inside.  Stir until dissolved.  Let it stand for 10 minutes until creamy and foamy.

2.  Mix 2 and 1/2 tbsp. olive oil with basil, oregano, onion powder, rosemary, and black pepper.  Set aside.

3.  Take yeast mixture and combine it with the flour and salt in a big bowl.  Add in the herb oil.  Beat until smooth.  Let it rest for 5 minutes.  

4.  Take dough out and place onto lightly floured surface. Kneed dough until smooth to the touch.  Mix the remaining olive oil with 1/2 tsp. of garlic powder.  Brush the surface of the pan.

5.  Take dough, place it on the pan.  Mold and shape into pan until it starts to form a crust.   Brush dough with remaining oil and garlic.

6.  Bake in preheated oven for 10 minutes.  Top with desired toppings.  

7.  Bake for 5 to 10 minutes more or until crust comes out golden.  We like to make a little pan of bread sticks to go with our pizza.

8.  Let it rest 5 minutes before serving.

Results:
I turned this pizza into a mixed veggie pizza with half pesto, half red sauce. The dough was able to develop the herb flavor as it was cooked. Tasty and easy to make!

 http://www.cookingwithlibby.com/2012/07/basic-herb-pizza-crust.html#sthash.05q6raN8.dpuf