Thanks to tropical storm Andrea, the grass has never been greener, the flowers are in full bloom, my car looks washed, allergies are at an all time low and it’s a perfect time to make homemade pizza!  (Yes, it’s a glass half full state of mind!)  This evening I had a craving for homemade whole wheat pizza margherita.  (Yes, I’m very specific!) 

I’ve never made whole wheat dough before, nor have I made margherita pizza so I was super excited to challenge myself with this (Yes, I find this fun).  Plus I have this thing going on with my leg/groin/hip flexor area and have put running on hold the past few days so I had extra time to be productive!

Whole Wheat Pizza Dough Ingredients: 2 1/2 cups whole wheat flour, 2 1/4 tsp active yeast, 1 cup warm water, 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tbsp sugar, 2 tsp basil (optional).

Dissolve yeast in warm water then combine all ingredients in a bread maker.  Set the bread maker on the dough setting and let the magic happen.  Can I just say – I love 21st century technology!!  1 hour later, I had perfectly mixed and risen dough! 

Margherita Sauce Ingredients: 1-28 oz can tomatoes (I used diced.  You can use whole peeled as well), 2 tsp minced garlic, 1 tsp kosher salt, 2 tsp basil, 1 tsp thyme, 2 tbsp olive oil  and pinch of crushed red pepper for a little heat! 

In a medium saucepan, heat olive oil and garlic.  Add spices.  Drain and then crush the tomatoes.  Add to oil mixture and stir.  Bring to a boil and then simmer for 10 minutes.

Preheat oven to 475 degrees.  Roll dough out to a very thin (about 1/8-1/4 inch).  I do not believe in round pizzas (because I choose not to can’t make them).  I like all shapes of pizza.  No symmetry required in my kitchen! Spread sauce evenly.  Top with thinly sliced fresh mozzarella.  For this you will be about 6 ounces.  Top with fresh chopped basil leaves.  Bake for 10-12 minutes and smell the goodness…

OMGoshhh… with 3 minutes left, the kitchen started smelling like fresh pizza!  And I thought the pizza didn’t look to shabby either!  I made the pizza for my dad and I and I must say, even though it wasn’t a meat lovers, super saucy pizza, he still really liked it.  Add this to the list… boy approved!  I love the fact that it’s whole wheat, homemade, homemade sauce, part skim mozzarella… Cassie approved!

Era squisito! (Click here to translate) 🙂