Having my in-laws as neighbors can be both a blessing and a challenge, but for us it’s mostly a pleasure. We enjoy spending time together whenever our schedules allow. Tonight my brother-in-law and sister-in-law joined us for dinner and a movie.Our original plan was to make individual calzones, but we were too hungry to attempt anything fussy in the kitchen. Instead, I made a large sheet pizza that everyone could share.Here’s how I prepared the pizza:
Ingredients:
1 ball of pizza dough (Trader Joe’s)
1 cup canned whole tomatoes
Pinch of salt and pepper
3–4 fresh basil leaves
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Shredded Italian cheese blend
Toppings of your choice:
– Italian sausage
– Chopped onion
– Chopped green bell pepper
Method:
Allow the dough to come to room temperature before rolling it out to form the crust. I used a large stoneware bar pan, which helps create a crisp crust. In a blender, combine the whole tomatoes, basil and seasonings to make a simple sauce. Spoon the sauce over the rolled-out crust, then add the shredded cheese and your chosen toppings. Bake at 350°F (about 175°C) for 12–15 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly. (We like our pizza well done.)
Variations:
You don’t have to use a classic tomato sauce. Try pesto, Alfredo, a garlic-cream sauce, or even no sauce at all for a different flavor profile. This recipe is flexible, so feel free to customize the toppings and sauces to suit your tastes and what’s in your pantry.