No-Fail Homemade Simple Pizza Dough

With "Spooky Pizza Day" (a.k.a. Halloween) quickly approaching, I thought I would share my favorite recipe for homemade pizza dough.  If you haven't tried making your own crust, you really should.  the flavor and the texture is so different from what you can get pre-made.  The dough itself is easy enough to make, but even better is the fact that you can make it ahead of time, and either freeze it for later or keep in the fridge for up to a week.  It makes those last-minute dinners a snap.  Also, I strongly strongly recommend you go with the bread flour (or even 00 if you have it).  The extra gluten is what makes this dough a no-fail one.

The nutritional info is for the entire recipe.

No-Fail Simple Pizza Dough

Makes 2 thinner crust pizzas or 1 thick crust pizza, about 14" each

1015 cals / 13.5g fat / 180g carbs / 32g protein

3/4 cup warm (not hot) water

2 1/2 tsp active dry yeast

1 tsp sugar

2 cups bread flour (plus more for dusting)

1 TB olive oil

1 tsp salt

1.  In the bowl of a stand mixed fitted with a dough hook, combine the water, yeast, and sugar.  Let sit until foamy (about 5-10 mites).  Of just use a regular bowl if you are doing this by hand.

2.  Add the flour, oil, and salt.  Mix until the dough pulls away from the sides and forms a ball.  Turn out onto a lightly floured surface and knead a few times.  Form into a ball and place in an oiled bowl, turning to coat the dough with oil.  Cover with plastic and let the dough rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours, until doubled in size.

3.  Divide dough in half, kneading each half into smooth balls with floured hands.  Roll out to desired thickness, and cook as desired.  Or...cover tightly with plastic wrap and store in the fridge or freeze until ready to use.

Kale and Sweet Potato Salad(?)

I never know what to call these things...I mean, it is mostly comprised of greens and there is a dressing, so I lean towards salad, but then it is warm and all cooked together...so sauté?  casserole?  Who knows?

Seriously...does anyone know?  Ugh, first-world problems.

 

Anyways, the idea for this dinner was lifted from my Family Circle magazine (yes, I am 80 years old).  I served it as a main dish for a vegetarian night, but it would be good as a side as well.  

And when you get your kale, please buy the bunches...don't get that bag of pre-chopped stuff, it makes it impossible to remove the tough ribs.

Kale and Sweet Potato Salad with Mustard Seed Dressing

Serves 4

200 cals / 5g fat / 39g carbs / 5g protein

1-2 bunches kale (depends on how much greenery you want)

2 sweet potatoes

1 apple

1 red onion

1 TB plus 1/2 tsp olive oil

2 TB mustard seeds

1/4 cup apple cider vinegar

2 TB sugar

salt and pepper to taste 

1. Combine 1 TB olive oil, apple cider vinegar, and sugar in a small saucepan.  Bring to a simmer, add the mustard seeds.  Simmer for 2 minutes, then set aside, allowing to steep for at least 10 minutes.

2.  Peel and chop the sweet potatoes into 1/2 to 1 inch cubes.  Heat 1/2 tsp olive oil in large sauté pan over medium heat, and cook sweet potatoes until softened, about 20 minutes.

3.  While potatoes are coking, remove the stems and center ribs from the kale leaves, tear or chop into bite-sized pieces.  Quarter and thinly slice the red onion.  Chop the apple into 1/2 inch pieces.  When potatoes are almost done (after 15-20 minutes) add the onion and apple, cooking until slightly softened, about 5 minutes.  Then add the kale and cook until softened and beginning to wilt. And sweet potatoes are totally cooked through, about 5 minutes more.  Toss with the prepared dressing and serve warm or at room temp.

Meal Plan Monday and Fall Entertaining

Leaves are falling, the temperature is dropping, and Christmas decorations are in the stores.  All the signs that Halloween is upon us.  Now is the perfect time to start thinking about those Halloween parties, get togethers, or even quiet nights in.  I thought I would share some of my favorite things in case you are still in need of ideas.

Of course, my favorite is this Autumn Spiced Rum Punch.  If you need an adult beverage, make this one it.  It is perfection.

I talked about my favorite Halloween traditions here...and without a doubt, we all look forward to spooooooky pizzas.  A simple and fun meal that all ages can enjoy (B and I were enjoying these looong before the kids came along).  Do it.

And then there were these cute treats I made for the kids school party last year, marshmallows on sticks dipped and decorated in colored white chocolate, pretzel rods dipped in the same with black licorice nails, and juice box mummies, simple wrapped in white trainer tape with googley eyes glued on.

Now, on to the less fun stuff.  What's for dinner....

 - Ham and Beans, Low-Fat Cornbread

 - Spiced Pork Chops, Mashed Sweet Potatoes, Roasted Balsamic Brussels Sprouts

 - Slow Cooker Pot Roast, Mashed Potatoes

 - Parmesan Pea Risotto, Salad

 - Chicken and Avocado Soup, Quesadillas

Hello...Is This Thing On??

Please forgive me for the looooonnnggg absence.  Consider it a mix of me needing a break and just being lazy.  Oh and on vacation.

I was fortunate to be able to join B on his work trip, meeting up in Germany then heading to Prague.  It was awesome.  I am also extremely lucky to have a mom who is willing and able to come and watch the kiddos while I go off, gallivanting around the globe (thanks Mommy!).

Germany was fun, the people are nice and the food is delicious.  As was the beer....

Look at me, enjoying this authentic German beer.

Prague was gorgeous and full of friendly people and old world charm.  And I was full of wine and foie gras.

Needless to say, I have been on vacation with my eating habits and my waistline has paid dearly for it.  I look forward to getting back to some healthier and cleaner eating (and being able to fit into my pants again!).