The Endless Varieties Of Pizza

<!-- @page { margin: 0.79in } P { margin-bottom: 0.08in1/2 cup yellow cornmeal
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When one thinks about Italian food, typically the first1 teas. Salt
thing you would think about is pizza. It has a rich historyTOPPING:
and has become a part of the culture of Italy. There1 cup Pizza sauce
are a tremendous amount of styles, sizes and flavors12 oz. Shredded mozzarella cheese
making it a rather versatile style of food. And the best1/2 lb. Ground beef, crumbled, cooked
part about it is it really is not all that difficult to make.1/4 lb. Italian Sausage, crumbled, cooked
The earliest pizzeria known to have opened was in1/4 lb. Pork Sausage, crumbled, cooked
1830 at Via Port'Alba 18 in Naples. At the time it was1/2 cup Pepperoni, diced
considered "poor man's food" and it was a rather slow1/2 cup Canadian bacon, diced
developer in terms of popularity. It was not until the1/2 cup Ham, diced
1950's that the pizza really began to flourish, especially1/4 lb. Mushrooms, sliced
in the US.1 small Onion, sliced
Some of the leading early pizza chains included1 Green bell pepper, seeded, sliced
Shakey's Pizza and Pizza Hut, which were both2 oz. Grated Parmesan cheese
founded in 1954. Today, some of the more popularSteps:
companies that are known for home delivery include1.
Domino's, Papa John's Pizza, Blackjack, and still PizzaFor dough, sprinkle yeast and sugar into warm water in
Hut. Although this makes for a quick and easy meal, itsmall bowl; allow stand until foamy, about 5 minutes.
is by no means an authentic Italian recipe.2.
Everyone says you have not experienced a PhillyMix flour, cornmeal, oil and salt in a large bowl; make a
Cheese Steak sandwich until you have been towell in the center and add yeast mixture.
Philadelphia or a bratwurst until you have been to3.
Germany. The same goes for pizza as the ItaliansStir to form a soft dough, adding more flour if
really do know what they are doing. The good news isnecessary.
there are exquisite recipes one can follow to bring Italy4.
into the kitchen.Turn onto a floured board and knead until dough is
There are three main ingredients with pizza; the sauce,supple and elastic, 7 to 10 minutes.
cheese and dough. Outside of that, it really is up to you5.
as to what goes on the pizza. Popular ingredientsTransfer to a large bowl, cover and let rise in a warm
include pepperoni, sausage, bacon, olives, greenspot until dough has doubled, about 1 hour.
peppers and onions. However, there is no limit as to6.
what you can put on a pizza.Punch down dough.
Although the three definite on a pizza are cheese,7.
sauce and dough, even these can be varied. As forOn a lightly floured surface, roll dough to a 13-inch circle.
the sauce you can enjoy basic tomato pizza sauce,8.
classic sauce with more of a basil and oregano flavor,Transfer to an oiled 12−inch pizza pan, folding the
or a tomato herb sauce. There are a number ofexcess over to make a small rim.
different sauces to consider. For the dough, some9.
people like thin crust, others like large crust, and someSpread with pizza sauce sprinkle with all but a handful
even like cheese filled crust. And with cheese there isof the mozzarella cheese.
nothing stopping you from using American, Swiss,10.
cheddar, or even spice it up with Monterey JackSprinkle with meats and vegetables.
cheese.11.
The thing you need to realize about cooking pizza isTop with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
that there are no limits. As long as it consists of your12.
favorite ingredients and is thoroughly cooked, you areLet rise in a warm spot about 25 minutes.
bound to be satisfied. Here is a recipe for a Chicago13.
style pizza:Heat oven to 475 degrees.
DOUGH:14.
1 Package active dry yeastBake pizza until crust is golden, about 25 minutes.
2 teas. Sugar15.
1 1/4 cups Warm waterLet stand 5 minutes before slicing.
2 3/4 cups All−purpose flour