Take THAT Church potluck- ha!

Sunday, the chapel filled with the smell of garlic as people prepared food in the kitchen for our Italian "Break-the-Fast" potluck. It's pretty hard to focus when you're really hungry and the whole church smells like Olive Garden. Unfortunately, after church was over we had to wait for Stephen to run home and get our contribution (I can't manage 2 toddlers in a potluck line). By the time he got back, the stampede was over and so was most of the food. So when I got home I was still craving something Italian in a MAJOR way. I had all the stuff and saw a great recipe for pepperoni pan pizzas online a while ago. I whipped out these babies in less than a half hour and voila! my craving was satisfied. Nice that we had a frosty rootbeer in the fridge to go with. I love food.From America's Test Kitchen (I basically used their ideas, but little of the actual recipe : ) they take too long!!

Pepperoni Pan Pizza
from the Episode: Pizza Party
Makes two 9-inch pizzas serving 4 to 6

Dough
1/2	cup olive oil
3/4	cup skim milk plus 2 additional tablespoons, warmed to 110 degrees
2	teaspoons sugar
2 1/3	cups all-purpose flour , plus extra for counter
1	package instant yeast
1/2	teaspoon table salt
Topping
1	(3.5-ounce) package sliced pepperoni
1 1/3	cups tomato sauce (see related recipe, "Basic Pizza Sauce")
3	cups shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese

1. To make the dough: Adjust oven rack to lowest position and heat oven to 200 degrees. When oven reaches 200 degrees, turn it off. Lightly grease large bowl with cooking spray. Coat each of two 9-inch cake pans with 3 tablespoons oil.

2. Mix milk, sugar, and remaining 2 tablespoons oil in measuring cup. Mix flour, yeast, and salt in standing mixer fitted with dough hook. Turn machine to low and slowly add milk mixture. After dough comes together, increase speed to medium-low and mix until dough is shiny and smooth, about 5 minutes. Turn dough onto lightly floured counter, gently shape into ball, and place in greased bowl. Cover with plastic wrap and place in warm oven until doubled in size, about 30 minutes.

3. To shape and top the dough: Transfer dough to lightly floured counter, divide in half, and lightly roll each half into ball. Working with 1 dough ball at a time, roll and shape dough into 9 1/2-inch round and press into oiled pan. Cover with plastic wrap and set in warm spot (not in oven) until puffy and slightly risen, about 20 minutes. Meanwhile, heat oven to 400 degrees.

4. While dough rises, put half of pepperoni in single layer on microwave-safe plate lined with 2 paper towels. Cover with 2 more paper towels and microwave on high for 30 seconds. Discard towels and set pepperoni aside; repeat with new paper towels and remaining pepperoni.

5. Remove plastic wrap from dough. Ladle 2/3 cup sauce on each round, leaving 1/2-inch border around edges. Sprinkle each with 1 1/2 cups cheese and top with pepperoni. Bake until cheese is melted and pepperoni is browning around edges, about 20 minutes. Remove from oven; let pizzas rest in pans for 1 minute. Using spatula, transfer pizzas to cutting board and cut each into 8 wedges. Serve.

Pizza Dough without a Mixer

In step 2, mix the flour, yeast, and salt together in a large bowl. Make a well in the flour, then pour the milk mixture into the well. Using a wooden spoon, stir until the dough becomes shaggy and difficult to stir. Turn out onto a heavily floured work surface and knead, incorporating any shaggy scraps. Knead until the dough is smooth, about 10 minutes. Shape into a ball and proceed as directed.
Step-by-Step: How to Make Pan Pizza

1. Roll the dough outward from the center in all directions to form a 7-inch circle.	2. With the dough draped over your knuckles, gently stretch it, using the weight of the dough to make a 9 1/2-inch circle that is slightly thinner at the center.
3. Place the dough in the oiled cake pan and gently push it to the edge, taking care not to let too much oil spill over the top.

Basic Pizza Sauce from the Episode: Pizza Party This recipe makes enough for four pan pizzas, so you will need only half when making Pepperoni Pan Pizza (see related recipe). Freeze the remaining sauce for future pizza making. Makes 2 2/3 cups 1 tablespoon olive oil 2 cloves garlic , minced 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes Table salt and ground black pepper Cook oil and garlic in medium saucepan over low heat until fragrant, about 2 minutes. Add tomatoes, increase heat to medium, and cook until slightly thickened, 10 to 15 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.