how to make pizza
Making pizza from scratch can be a fun and rewarding process. Here's a simple recipe to make a delicious homemade pizza:

Ingredients:
For the dough:
- 2 1/4 cups (530 ml) warm water
- 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast
- 5 1/2 cups (660 g) all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp sugar
- 2 tbsp olive oil

For the sauce:
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp sugar (optional)

Toppings:
- Mozzarella cheese, shredded
- Your favorite toppings (e.g. pepperoni, mushrooms, onions, olives, bell peppers)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the dough:
   a. In a large bowl, combine the warm water and yeast. Stir until dissolved and let sit for 5 minutes.
   b. Add the flour, salt, sugar, and olive oil to the yeast mixture. Stir until a sticky dough forms.
   c. Knead the dough on a floured surface for 10 minutes, or until smooth and elastic.
   d. Place the dough in a large, greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise for 1-2 hours, or until doubled in size.

2. Prepare the sauce:
   a. In a medium saucepan, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat.
   b. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes, or until fragrant.
   c. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, oregano, basil, salt, pepper, and sugar (if using).
   d. Simmer the sauce for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly. Set aside to cool.

3. Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C) and prepare your pizza stone or baking sheet.

4. Assemble the pizza:
   a. Punch down the risen dough and divide it into 2 equal portions. Roll out each portion on a lightly floured surface into a 12-inch (30 cm) circle.
   b. Transfer the dough to a pizza stone or parchment-lined baking sheet.
   c. Spread a layer of sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
   d. Sprinkle a generous amount of shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauce.
   e. Add your favorite toppings.

5. Bake the pizza for 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is melted and bubbly.

6. Remove the pizza from the oven, let it cool for a few minutes, then slice and serve. Enjoy your homemade pizza!
best desserts to accompany pizza
If you're pondering **what dessert pairs perfectly with pizza**, look no further. Here are some top picks spanning from traditional Italian treats to American classics:

1. **Tiramisu**: This authentic Italian dessert is rich, creamy, and light. Its traditional preparation includes raw eggs, but they're safe for consumption in most Western countries.

2. **Orange Polenta Cake**: An Italian favourite that boasts a golden colour, crumbly texture, and zesty flavour. It's an easy cake to make and can last up to a week in an airtight container.

3. **Ice Cream**: A universal crowd-pleaser! A good quality vanilla ice cream with a variety of toppings like strawberry and chocolate sauce, wafers, and sprinkles allows your guests to create their own dessert masterpiece.

4. **Chocolate Mousse**: A make-ahead option that's light yet indulgent. This dessert is perfect for family gatherings.

5. **Baked Cheesecake**: A dessert with a unique texture, baked cheesecake is lovely served with fresh fruit.

6. **Torta della Nonna (Ricotta and Lemon Tart)**: This elegant dessert hails from Tuscany and involves a sweet pastry base, a lemon and vanilla custard filling, and a light pastry lid decorated with pine nuts.

7. **Chocolate Torte**: An Italian delight combining ground almonds with dark chocolate. It's easy to prepare and its flavour intensifies over time.

8. **Jelly and Custard**: A fun and easy dessert to make, perfect for kids and those young at heart.

9. **Espresso Shortbread Cookies**: A quick sweet treat that pairs perfectly with a strong pot of coffee.

10. **Strawberry Granita**: A light, fruity, and refreshing frozen dessert. Ideal for hot summer evenings.

11. **Doughnuts with Chocolate Sauce**: A fun and slightly healthier option when baked instead of fried.

12. **Sweet Orange Pasta Bites**: A unique dessert option that could become a dinner party favourite.

13. **Salted Caramel Chocolate Pots**: A simple, elegant dessert that can be prepared in advance, perfect for catering to foodies with a sweet tooth.

14. **Amaretti Cookies**: These Italian almond-flavoured biscuits are ideal for those wanting a sweet nibble without anything too heavy.

Remember, the best dessert to serve depends on your guest's preferences and the overall vibe you're aiming for. Whether it's the creamy **Tiramisu**, refreshing **Strawberry Granita**, or decadent **Salted Caramel Chocolate Pots**, there's something to satisfy everyone's sweet tooth. Enjoy!