Thursday, August 2, 2007

All I knead is "dough"

It really does make the world go round or was that love-does'nt matter because I LOVE DOUGH!

it certainly makes the Pizza go round and it is the foundation of a great pizza, and I am going to tell you how to make a great batch of pizza dough to bake in your own oven!

Here is the recipe Enjoy!

1 package active dry yeast (2 teaspoons)
1 cup warm water (105° to 115°, no more)
3 cups all-purpose or bread flour
1 tablespoon sugar
1 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil, plus a little for coating

How to make pizza dough from scratch:

Dissolve the yeast in the warm water. Set aside and follow the instructions below for the method you choose.

By hand: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar and salt. Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and pour the olive oil and yeast mixture into it. Stir until it begins to form a ball, then turn it out onto a clean, floured surface and knead for about 4 or 5 minutes.

In a mixer: Using a dough hook, combine the flour, sugar and salt. Add the liquid ingredients and mix on low until the dough begins to clump around the dough hook. Remove and knead as above




  • Whichever method and pizza dough recipe you've chosen, your pizza dough should be a smooth, elastic ball. Lightly oil the ball and the inside of a large glass bowl. Place the dough in the bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm place until doubled, about an hour. For better crust, punch down the dough, reshape into a ball and let it rise again. You can refrigerate or freeze the dough at this point.

    Divide the dough into 4 equal portions, about 6 ounces each. Roll each portion into a ball, then, working on a lightly floured surface, stretch the dough and work it with your fingers or a rolling pin to form an 8-inch circle. (Let your guests prepare their own.) The outer edge of the circle should be a little thicker than the body, forming a rim. Add toppings.

    Transfer to a pizza pan or pizza stone. Bake in a 500° pre-heated oven until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted, 10 to 13 minutes, or perhaps a little longer if your oven does not reach 500°.

  • Sunday, July 29, 2007

    Lets set the "pizza" record straight!

    There are SO many pizza places out there today, gourmet this, chicago that, and everyone says their's is the best! so how are you going to decide which is your favorite? I will give you a few points to consider and then you are just going to have to taste for yourself.


    Taste it! Does it really taste good or are you just eating to get full?

    Does the pizzeria brag about its fresh home made ingredients? or just open cans?

    OK this is a really stupid one "Hand tossed dough". Guess what? WE ALL MAKE OUR DOUGH FRESH! This does not mean it's GOOD!

    OH ya and is the place clean? Come on take a look around, you're eating the product of the pizzeria!

    Pizza is big business and everyone thinks they can do it and they can't. I am starting this blog to give you my recipes, thoughts, show you how great pizza is made and share other great pizza makers little special tricks of the trade with you, I love pizza so lets get this pizza party started!

    Chef Glenn
    Fregene's Pizza
    http://www.fregenes.com/