Whole Grain Pizza Dough

pizzas made with love for my kids

I used to think that making my own pizza required spending a couple of hours in the kitchen watching dough rise, or giving in and using store bought dough, but this recipe changes all that.  By using quick rising instant yeast and organic whole wheat flour, you can now make a delicious and nutritious pizza in about 40 minutes, start to finish.  Of course the nutrition content all depends on what you top your pizza with, but that is the fun part about making your own: you can use whatever you like and whatever you happen to have on hand.  And it is a great dinner for kids to help out with.  My daughter is much more likely to eat a pizza that she helped create and you can make them in all sorts of shapes and sizes.  I have even experimented with sweet toppings like fruit and ricotta cheese with a drizzle of honey.  The possibilities are endless!!

Whole Grain Pizza Dough

1 C. organic whole wheat pastry flour

1 – 1 1/2 C. organic whole wheat flour

2 T. wheat germ, optional

2 T. flax seed, optional
1 T. organic sugar

1/4 tsp. salt

1 package quick rising instant yeast

1 C. hot water

2 T. extra virgin olive oil

In a large bowl, mix 2 cups of flour, the wheat germ, flax seed, sugar, salt and yeast. Stir in the hot water and the olive oil. Gradually add in enough of the remaining flour to make a soft dough.  Knead on a floured surface until smooth and elastic and then shape the dough into a ball. Cover with a damp towel and let rest for about 10 minutes. Form the dough into the desired shape and add assorted toppings. Bake in a 400F oven, until the cheese and crust are golden brown, about 15 to 20 minutes.

*The dough can be wrapped in plastic wrap and kept in the refrigerator for up to eight hours.

lemon and smoked mozzarella on top
sauteed mushroom and spinach with four cheeses on the bottom

with sauteed spinach, roasted mushrooms, 
olives, fresh tomatoes, and peppers

used to make Chicken Calzones

they also make great breadsticks
for picky eaters like my daughter