Our Pizza Night

There aren't too many meals that all 4 of us love, but one of them is pizza (of course!). When Mike and I were first married, we used to go to the Wilkins' pizza night. When we left Phoenix, we have tried to have our own pizza night once a week, to continue the tradition (except we normally make our own). We used to use the Jiffy pizza mix to make the dough, just because it was so easy. But, a few years ago, I set off to find a recipe for whole wheat pizza, to make it a bit healthier. I found one that we love (and it's so easy to make):

Whole Wheat Pizza Dough

1 package dry yeast (I use 2 1/2 teaspoons out of our large bag)

1 1/4 cups lukewarm water

2 cups whole wheat flour

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

1 TB olive oil

1 TB honey

1/2 tsp. salt (sometimes I substitute garlic salt for some extra flavor)

Proof yeast in small bowl with warm water. Whisk together honey and olive oil in a separate bowl. In a food processor (I just use my Kitchen-aid, with the dough hook), combine whole wheat flour, all-purpose flour, proofed yeast, olive oil/honey mixture, and salt. Process (or mix) until ball forms. Remove, and place in an oiled bowl and cover with plastic wrap. Let rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until doubled (I put mine in the oven with a pan of hot water next to it). Punch down dough, and knead on a floured surface and knead briefly. Divide into 4 sections, and roll each into a ball. Cover in the refrigerator for 2 hours (or overnight).

Let balls of dough come to room temperature. Preheat oven to 450 degrees. Roll each into a 7-8 inch circle, and top as desired. Bake for 8-10 minutes per pizza.

So, what we normally do, is give everyone one ball of dough. I put pizza sauce and cheese out in bowls on the table. And then I let everyone scrounge the refrigerator and cupboard for toppings (this is a great what to use leftovers, by the way). We all roll out/hit/throw our dough until its how we want it, and then we top them. Everyone tops their own pizza however they like. However, our rule is that while you can put whatever you want on your own pizza, you have to eat it. Surprisingly, this rule applies more to Mike, than the kids. He tends to put strange things on, and then beg us for our pizza when his turns out gross. Like tonight, he put an ENTIRE layer of chopped garlic under the cheese, which he actually ate and loved... the dentist is going to love examining him tomorrow. :)

On the kids' pizzas tonight, Adam chose to depict a battle between the Decepticon and Autobot Transformers, in peas and carrots. I helped Grace make a smiley face out of pepperoni and peas and carrots, and then she promptly ate off the peas and carrots while it was waiting for the oven.

We've had more than a few flour fights, and we generally make a big mess of the toppings, but we always have a TON of fun doing it, everyone loves it, and everyone always gets whatever they want on their pizza. I normally try to do it on Sunday or Monday, so Mike's there to help... however, since he starts most of the flour fights, I'm not sure how much he's REALLY helping. :)