Kooking with Kids - Pizza Night!

Only a few months ago I recall watching the international pizza tossing championships in Italy. From throwing dough to awards for the best coal and gas fired pizzas. A good pizza is an amazing thing. A great pizza, is something to be cherished. I wouldn't even begin to fathom the number of slices consumed by the American public on an annual basis. It is my understanding and an eye popping 3 billion pizzas are sold in the US every year.
Ordering a pizza for delivery will run you in the $15 range. It's fast, probably good and you don't have the time to cook something anyway, right? I need to share something with everyone. Making your own pizza is easy, inexpensive and I'm going to tell you how to do it. The most expensive ingredients are going to be the cheese and your toppings. When you think about it, almost everything you need is already in the kitchen.
You are going to need:
Pizza stone or metal pizza tray will certainly make this task easier.
Flour 1 1/4 cups and another 1 1/4 cups. Then an extra 1/4 cup.
One packet active yeast. Cheap and in the baking isle at your grocer.
2 Tablespoons olive oil
One cup warm water
Pinch of Salt
Pinch of Sugar
Tomato Sauce
2 cups shredded mozzarella or Italian cheese blend
What you want to do it to clear a space on the counter to work in. Have your kids put the first portion of flour into the bowl. Add the yeast, olive oil, sugar, salt and water and whisk for 3 minutes. You might have to help as it could get tiring. After the three minutes add the next portion of flour and with a wooded spoon blend it all together. Once you have incorporated the second portion of flour, dust the counter with some flour and dump the dough onto the counter. Mix in the additional 1/4 cup of flour and work that dough with your hands until it is smooth. (The kids love that part) Once smooth, work the dough into a ball and place in a greased bowl and cover with a dishtowel for 30 minutes. That will give you and the kids some time to clean.
After 30 minutes or so remove the pizza dough. Cut it in half and freeze one half for next week. Work the dough with a rolling pin or by hand into the pizza shape we all know and love. Have the kids spread tomato sauce all over the pizza then eventually distribute the cheese and toppings. Into a 450 degree oven it goes for about 10-12 minutes. Make sure the cheese begins to brown. I brush the crust with a little olive oil and dust with Parmesan cheese too.
The kids love getting their hands into the dough and using the rolling pin. This is a fun activity for lunch or dinner. Especially on a rainy day when you are stuck in the house.

So get out those rolling pins and lets cook!