by lechef
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lechef's Notes:
Expand1.5 cups very warm water Ask a question about this ingredient
1 packet yeast Ask a question about this ingredient
2 teaspoons sugar Ask a question about this ingredient
3.25 cups unbleached, all-purpose flour (approximate) Ask a question about this ingredient
1 teaspoon salt Ask a question about this ingredient
2 tablespoons olive oil Ask a question about this ingredient
Dissolve the sugar and yeast into the water and allow to stand for 5-10 minutes, until water is foamy and your yeast has activated. Add the salt to your flour and combine. Slowly mix the flour into the yeast-water until you have formed a pliable dough that isn’t too sticky. Getting to know when your dough is the right consistency takes some time, but it should be stretchy, not too hard, but not super sticky, and should be easy to form into a ball.
Ask a question about this stepPut the oil in the bottom of a clean mixing bowl, and place the dough in the bowl, turning to coat. Place a towel over the dough, leave it in a warm spot and allow to rise for at least an hour, or until it has doubled in size. At this point you can punch the dough down, divide it up, and either go ahead and make pizzas or put them in ziplock bags to freeze. I actually think the dough is even better after it’s been frozen and thawed again, especially for thin crust pizza.
Ask a question about this step1/2 cup Frank's Red Hot, or your favorite hot sauce Ask a question about this ingredient
1 stick salted butter Ask a question about this ingredient
2 chicken breasts, cooked and diced (this is a great use of leftover chicken.) Ask a question about this ingredient
1/2 pound Fresh Mozzarella, sliced or shredded Ask a question about this ingredient
1/2 cup gorgonzola Ask a question about this ingredient
2 scallions, whites and greens, chopped Ask a question about this ingredient
I use a rolling pin for thin crust pizza, which is probably going to make pizza purists groan, but it works for me. On a well-floured surface, roll your dough out to the thickness and size you want. Place it on a baking sheet (or pizza stone, if you have one) sprinkled liberally with flour or cornmeal to prevent sticking. I use a silicone baking sheet, which works wonders. Parchment paper works too.
Ask a question about this stepIn a microwaveable bowl, melt the butter and combine with the hot sauce. Toss chicken pieces in the sauce and add to the rolled out pizza crust. Drizzle extra sauce over the chicken if desired. Top with mozzarella and gorgonzola, then sprinkle with scallions. Bake for 10-12 minutes at 500 degrees. Slice and serve with a side of carrot sticks and celery, so you’ll feel somewhat healthy!
Ask a question about this stepMarion is the Paulette Goddard Professor of Nutrition, Food Studies, and Public Health at NYU and the author of several books on food policy, including Safe Food and What To Eat.