Whole Wheat Pizza Recipe

Well, here is the promised pizza recipe at last. :) We love this recipe and usually have it a couple of times a month. Benjamin loves it too and continually walks up to the oven window saying "Pikhah" (Pizza) the entire time it's cooking. Best of all, this recipe makes enough for our small family that we usually get it for at least two nights. (Heart shape is optional, but fun for Valentine's Day)

Whole Wheat Pizza - Makes one large pizza

1 1/2 Tbsp yeast

1 c warm water

3 1/2 c whole wheat four

1 T wheat gluten

1 tsp dried oregano

1 tsp dried basil

1 tsp dried marjoram

1 tsp garlic powder

1 tsp sea salt

1/2 c grated Parmesan cheese

1/3 c olive oil

Combine yeast and water with a drizzle of honey to activate. In a mixer, combine flour, gluten, spices, salt, and Parmesan cheese. Mix well. Combine oil and yeast mixture, then add to flour mixture. Knead in mixer until dough forms and is soft and pliable. Remove from mixer and let stand 30 minutes.

Pizza Sauce - makes enough for two pizzas - I like to freeze the leftovers for a later time

29 oz tomato sauce

6 oz tomato paste

1 1/2 tsp dried fennel - add a little water and coarsely mash it with a mortar and pestle

1 1/2 tsp dried oregano

3 tsp dried basil

1 tsp Italian seasoning

1 1/2 tsp garlic powder

3/4 tsp salt

Combine all ingredients and let sit a few minutes. Taste and adjust seasonings as desired. The flavor improves after the spices have time to sit in the sauce.

Roll out your rested pizza dough and place on a cookie sheet or pizza stone. Spread sauce over pizza along with your choice of toppings. Bake at 375 for 20 minutes or until pizza is nearly done. Remove pizza and sprinkle 3-4 cups of cheese over top. Bake another 8 - 10 minutes or until lightly browned. Cooking time depends partly on the number of toppings you choose. It seems to take less time for a one topping pizza than a 4 or 5 topping one. Enjoy!