California Pizza

Bar Mitzvah was a very special moment in our life as Aaron turned 13. We all were so happy and celebrated the party by making many dishes. Here I am going to share a pizza recipe that Aaron really likes.

Dough: 1 cup lukewarm water (110 degrees)
2 packages yeast
3 1/2 cups unbleached flour
1 teaspoon coarse salt
1 teaspoon sugar
1 tablespoon olive oil

Pesto:

1 cup olive oil
2 cups fresh basil leaves
2 cloves garlic, chopped
3 tablespoons pine nuts
1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

------------------ 1 onion, thinly sliced
1 sweet red pepper, seeded and sliced into strips
1 green peppers, seeded and sliced into strips
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon water
1/2 pound garlic and fennel sausage or sweet Italian sausage
3 ounces goat cheese
10 ounces Mozzarella cheese, coarsely grated
2 tablespoons freshly grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons cornmeal

Prepare dough: Dissolve yeast in water and set aside. Mix flour, salt, and sugar in a bowl. Make a "well" in the center, pour in yeast solution and olive oil. Blend in the flour using a fork, working towards the outside of teh well. As dough becomes stiff, incorporate remaining flour by hand. Gather into a ball and knead eight to ten minutes on a floured board. Place in an oil-coated bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let rise in a warm, draft-free place until doubled in size, approximately two hours.

Prepare pesto sauce using a blender or food processor. Combine all ingredients exceptp cheese. Process but do not create a puree. Stir in cheese. Set side.

Saute onions and peppers in one tablespoon olive oil and water in a large skillet over medium heat. Stir frequently until peppers are soft. Drain and set aside. Brown sausage, breaking into pieces as it cooks. Drain off excess fat. Chop coarsely and set aside.

Preheat overn to 400 degrees. Spread remaining olive oil evently over a 12--inch pizza pan. Sprinkle with cornmeal. Punch down pizza dough, flatten lightly with a rolling pin, turn and flatten with fingers. Place dough in pan and spread to edges with fingertips. Bake five minutes. Spread pesto sauce over dough. Crumble goat cheese evenly over pesto. Add onions and peppers, sausage, and cheeses. Bake 10 minutes or until crust is slightly brown and cheese is bubbly.. Not to mention, California Pizza was a hit and along with Aaron everybody just loved it.