Cooking has recently become a balancing act of preparing dinner for the family and keeping my toddler entertained. We are in the stage of him wanting my full attention and doing what I’m doing. Not wanting to discourage his interest, I’ve started planning meals around recipes we can do together. His favorite is making pizza. This recipe makes enough for either one large 12-inch pizza or two individual 6-inch pizzas. There is enough dough for me to portion off a small amount for him to form, toss, roll, and top with pizza sauce alongside me. Once the dough I’ve formed is ready, I let him top the pizza however he wants. The best part of this recipe is the dough doesn’t need to proof. If I have time, I will let the dough double in size for a more tender crust, but it isn’t necessarily –– either version is delicious. Enjoy a pizza night where the kids make you dinner, boosting their confidence and giving them ownership. If you question their topping choices, serve the pizza with a salad and let the kids enjoy more pizza. 

Quick Pizza Dough
Makes one 12-inch or two 6-inch pizzas 

Ingredients 

• 1 cup warm water 
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1 ¼-ounce packet of active dry yeast
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 450 degrees. Grease a pizza pan or large sheet pan and set aside. 
2. In a medium bowl, stir together the water, sugar, and yeast. Let mixture sit for 5 minutes or until the yeast activates, becomes frothy, and bubbles form. Add olive oil and gently stir to combine.
3. Add 2 cups of flour then salt. Do not add salt first, as salt will deactivate the yeast. Mix with a wooden spoon until the dough starts to come together. Dough will be slightly sticky. Gradually add the remaining ½ cup of flour until dough forms a ball. Note: you might not use all of the remaining flour. 
4. Transfer to a floured surface and knead, using your palms, into a smooth ball, about 1-2 minutes. If dough is still sticky, add a tablespoon at a time of additional flour. 
5. Using a rolling pin, roll dough into your desired shape and transfer to the prepared pan. Gently prick the dough with a fork several times to prevent bubbles from forming. 
6. Add pizza sauce and preferred toppings.
7. Bake on the lower rack of the oven for 15-20 minutes or until the crust is crispy and lightly browned and cheese has melted. 
8. Remove from the oven and let cool for 2 minutes, then cut and serve.

Notes

1. If you want a softer, more airy dough, place the ball of dough in a lightly oiled glass bowl and cover with a damp towel, then place in a warm area in your kitchen. Let dough double in size, about 30-45 minutes, then continue following directions. 
2. If using a pizza stone, preheat the oven to 500 with pizza stone in the oven. Prepare pizza as desired on a pizza pan or pizza peel dusted with semolina and carefully transfer pizza to stone. Bake for 5-10 minutes or until pizza is golden brown. Baking with a pizza stone will make for a crisper pizza.

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