Italian Essentials Pizza Dough Seasoning Mix Recipes

NEAPOLITAN-STYLE PIZZA DOUGH WITH GARLIC AND ITALIAN SEASONINGS

Steps:

• In a large bowl, mix the flour, salt, and yeast until thoroughly combined. Mix in ice water, scraping the bowl as you mix, until all the flour and water have been incorporated into a soft dough. Mix in 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Turn the dough out onto a floured work surface, and knead until the dough is firm but slightly sticky, mixing in more flour if needed. Knead the granulated garlic and Italian seasoning into the dough. (The kneading step can be done in a bread machine set on the Dough setting.)
• Form the dough into a round, and place into an oiled bowl. Brush the top with 1/2 teaspoon of olive oil, cover the bowl with plastic wrap, and allow the dough to rise until double, 1 to 2 hours. Punch down the dough, and cut in half. Form each half into a 12-inch pizza crust, and place on pizza pans.
• Move a rack to the bottom position in oven, and preheat oven to 450 degrees F (230 degrees C).
• Bake the pizza crusts on the bottom rack just until firm, 3 to 7 minutes. Allow the crusts to cool for about 10 minutes before topping with sauce, cheese, or other desired ingredients and returning to oven to bake.

ITALIAN ESSENTIALS: PIZZA DOUGH SEASONING MIX

Steps:

• 1. PREP/PREPARE
• 2. OPTIONAL INGREDIENTS Many pizza makers add a bit of powdered milk to their dough. It mellows out the flour taste and makes for a more delicate crust. The marjoram and rosemary just give it a bit more of an Italian flavor, and the pepper flakes are for some kick.
• 3. Storage of homemade condiments and spices Because homemade spices and condiments do not contain any preservatives, it is important to store them properly. Non-reactive (glass) containers with tight-fitting lids are a must. If I am making a dry spice, I love to use old spice bottles that I have run through the dishwasher. If I am doing homemade sauces, I love using Weck jars. They are all glass, come in all sizes and shapes, and have excellent leakproof lids. If you shop online, you can go to Amazon, and type in "Weck Jars" and you will find a ton of them. Dry spices should be kept in a cool space, away from sunlight (spice cabinet), and sauces, in most cases, should be stored in the fridge. If properly stored, this spice mix should last 6 - 8 months.
• 4. Gather your ingredients (mise en place).
• 5. Add all the ingredients together, and then store, as mentioned above.
• 6. Make your pizza dough, then add a teaspoon or two of this seasoning to the dough as you are kneading it.
• 7. PLATE/PRESENT
• 8. Bake your pie. Enjoy.
• 9. Keep the faith, and keep cooking.