Homemade Pizza Pies

We bought a bread machine on Craigslist for $10. Seriously, if you don't have one, get one! We make a loaf of bread about weekly and this basic pizza dough recipe is great. When you start making homemade pizza pies take it easy; less is more. My first mistakes were too much sauce and way too much cheese. I did not know too much cheese was possible, but it certainly is! You want just enough sauce to coat the crust. Same with the cheese, use just enough to cover the toppings, but not completely bury them. As for toppings it's fun to experiment with the classics as well as new creations. What are your favorite combinations?

1 cup water
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon sugar
1 teaspoon salt
3 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons Red Star active dry yeast

Place all ingredients in bread pan in order. Select dough setting and press start.

When the dough has risen the bread machine will beep (and my dog Copper will whine because he hates the high pitch). Wrap dough in plastic wrap that has been lightly coasted in olive oil. Set aside for 15 minutes. If you aren't baking your pizza right away you can keep it in an oiled plastic bag for up to 3 days.

After 15 minutes lightly oil a 14-16 inch pizza plan to within 1 inch of the edge.

Using a rolling pin, roll the dough into a circle slightly smaller than the pizza pan. Place the dough on the pizza pan and gently stretch it to fit. Shape dough around the edge to form a small rim.

Cover dough and let rise on the counter top for 20 to 30 minutes. Meanwhile preheat over to 450 degrees.

Spread your toppings of choice on your dough crust and bake on the middle shelf of the oven for 15-20 minutes. Remove from oven and serve warm.

Recipe from "More Bread Machine Magic" by Linda Rehberg and Lois Conway.