Pizza Crust



Ingredients:

1 (.25 ounce) package active dry yeast
1 cup warm water (110 degrees F/45 degrees C)
2 cups bread flour
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons white sugar



Directions:


In a small bowl, dissolve yeast in warm water. Let stand until creamy, about 10 minutes.
In a large bowl, combine 2 cups bread flour, olive oil, salt, white sugar and the yeast mixture; stir well to combine. Beat well until a stiff dough has formed. Cover and rise until doubled in volume, about 30 minutes. Meanwhile, preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
Turn dough out onto a well floured surface. Form dough into a round and roll out into a pizza crust shape. Cover with your favorite sauce and toppings and bake in preheated oven until golden brown, about 20 minutes.





The Science Behind the Pizza!

• http://arstechnica.com/science/news/2009/01/pizza-crust-preparation-and-antioxidant-properties.ars This website provides helpful information about keeping the nutritional quality of your pizza. It also has alternative preparation methods to add nutrition to your recipe.


• This particular recipe uses yeast as it's leavening agent, there are other methods and recipes that help you get the desired crust. The crispy the crust the less the leavening agent you should use.


• Health benefits of pizza: Lycopenes.The luscious tomato sauce that adds a touch of sweetness to your pizza is an excellent source of lycopenes. Lycopenes are natural carotenoids that give the tomato its rich, red color, not to mention some very interesting health properties. Lycopenes are strong antioxidants that studies have shown may decrease the risk of prostate cancer and help to protect against heart disease. It's best to get lycopenes from tomato sauce rather than the whole tomato since the processing involved in making the sauce makes the lycopenes easier for the body to absorb and process.
• Health benefits of pizza: VeggiesIf you don't put veggies on your pizza, maybe it's time to start. Onions are rich in sulfur compounds and flavonoids which help to maintain a healthy immune system and may reduce the risk of certain types of cancer. Onions have also been shown to promote a healthy heart. Other veggies that can add antioxidant and nutritional punch to pizza are artichokes, spinach, red peppers, broccoli, and even slices of steamed squash. A veggie filled slice of pizza is a tasty way to get your daily vegetable quota.
• Health benefits of pizza: Calcium That layer of cheese that makes your pizza slice rich and gooey is a good source of bone building calcium. Some studies have also shown that a high calcium diet can help to reduce the risk of colon cancer. Despite these benefits, cheese is also high in fat, so cut the cheese in half and double up on the tomato sauce for a healthier slice of pizza.