Average Food Guy's Take on Home made Pizza (Thin Crust!)

Home made pizza is a challenge for most people.  I'll admit that I stuggeled with it several times.  Pizza is a complicated food, with several parts all assembled on top of the single item that is most important to making or breaking a good home made pizza.  The crust.  I was born and raised in New England, so I am a big fan of thin crust.  I'm not going to get into the debate of NY style vs. Chicago style.  Everyone is entitled to their opinions.  Plus, neither are my favorite.  I prefer New Haven style pizza.  What is that you ask?  It's similar to New York style, except perfected, and a hell of a lot closer to home.  Here is my quick and easy version.

Ingredients:

Fresh dough (buy from local grocer or Italian deli)

Flour

Olive Oil

Garlic, chopped

Sauce (jarred or home made)

Shredded mozzarella (or fresh if you prefer)

Stick pepperoni, chopped into chunks

Green/Red bell pepper, sliced

Yellow onion, sliced

Italian seasoning (basil, oregano, rosemary, thyme)

Fresh basil (for garnish)

Parmasean Reggiano

So, to start, preheat your oven to 450 with the rack in the middle.   Lightly oil a cookie sheet with olive oil.  Flour your hands and the outside of the dough.  Do not use too much as you will make the dough stiff and chewy.

Starting from the center, knead the dough towards the edges, being careful to keep a consistant thickness.  This is the hardest part and will take some practice.  Try to cover the whole cookie sheet with your dough.  Once satisfied with the dough, stab with a fork all over the surface (to prevent bubbles).  Lightly oil the top of the dough and sprinkle with Italian seasonings.  Bake for 10 minutes.

After 10 minutes, you dough should start to brown slightly and be stiff, but not dry and crunchy.  Remove from oven.  Spread sauce over dough.  Then evenly distribute garlic and pepperoni.  Add cheese, peppers, and onions to the pizza.  Feel free to add any other toppings you like at this time.  Bake for 12-15 minutes.

Once all the cheese is melted and peppers are slightly soft from baking, remove from oven.  Sprinkle with grated parmesean and broil until cheese is melted.  I like mine just when it starts to brown.  Remove from oven and let cool for 5 minutes.  

Slice and eat!