It has to be said, nobody appreciates a pay-day pizza more than me or my beau. I love pizzas, trips to Pizza Express, a cheeky pre-gig Pizza Hut Buffet, even Sainsbury's own brand Vegetable Pizza is so far unsurpassed (in my opinion) on the frozen front.
But, with great pizza comes great cost, unfortunately. So, with the help of my glamorous assistant, not to mention life-guru of oft, Amanda, we decided to try our hand at creating our own delicious pizzas from scratch. The results were better than I could have imagined.
For the dough, I scoured the internet for something quick, simple and delicious and came across this recipe from bakingmad.com
http://www.bakingmad.com/recipes/dairyfree/pizza-dough
The amount of ingredients and the time it took were the two factors that drew me in - just 4 ingredients and a bit of kneading later, I was ready to go.
Ingredients: to make 3-4 medium bases
500g Strong White Bread Flour
1/2 tsp Salt
1 Sachet Easy Bake Yeast
2 tsp Caster Sugar
325 ml warm water
Method:
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Put the flour and yeast and salt in a large bowl and mix together. Make a well in the centre of the mix.
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Stir the sugar into the warm water then add to the well in the centre of the dry mix.
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Work for the outer edge and mix all the dry ingredients into the
water. When the mix has come together turn out on to a lightly floured
surface and knead for about 10 minutes. At this stage the dough should
be soft and spring back when lightly touched.
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Flour the dough and cover with cling and leave to rest for about 15 minutes.
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If not baking immediately leave the dough wrapped in lightly oiled
cling film and palce in the fridge until you are ready to shape and
bake.
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Divide the dough into 3 or 4 pieces depending on how many pizza bases you want to make.
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Taking one pieces at a time and roll out on a very lightly floured
surface. Ideally the base should be 5mm thick but you can be creative
on the shape. Why not try, oval, or square for a change! Place on a
baking tray and leave the rolled bases for 15 to 30 minutes to rest.
Meanwhile preheat the oven to 200C/fan 180 C/ gas mark 6. When ready, add your desired topping and bake for 7-8 mins until golden brown.
Once the dough was ready, we loaded our pizzas with chopped veg and loaded mozzarella and baked. We served with a pathetic amount of salad and enjoyed every single morsel! The pizza bases were the perfect combination of crispy on the outside, oozing and doughy on the inside. The strong white flour created an authentic Italian taste, a definite contender for Sainsbury's crown and a healthier choice for the family - on both the waistline and the wallet.
Suggested topping ingredients:
1/2 Red Onion
1/2 tube Tomato Puree mixed with small amount of Napolina's Pizza Topping
1/2 packet grated Mozzarella
Selection of chopped and roasted veg (Peppers, Mushrooms and Courgettes)
Sprinkle of Mixed Herbs
S+P to taste
I know how I'll be celebrating pay-day from now on!
Had a go at your own? Why not pop over and upload your photos to Life is Peachy's Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/lifeispeachytales
Got a recipe idea for Life is Peachy to try or invent? Email missemmaberry@gmail.com with your ideas!
Every once in a while, I stumble across a truly unique crafter, who has taken an entirely different approach to their designs. Since Father's Day was yesterday, I just had to share the gift I chose for my beau's first Father's Day, designed and made by the wonderful Owlish Grey.
CRAFT MEETS SCIENCE
I stumbled across Nottingham-based Owlish Grey quite by accident, when she gave a friendly 'like' to my other business' Facebook page. Intrigued, I looked a little closer at Owlish's Etsy shop, and was so pleasantly surprised by what I found, I simply had to order one of her unique 'Soundwave Prints' ready for the Big Day!
Owlish Grey's products stem from an interest in crafting accessories, whilst taking inspiration from science and nature. Some of her latest products include cards and prints with famous scientist's quotes and also cards featuring symbols from the periodic table. A truly different design approach, which make for some lovely keepsake pieces.
A first Father's Day is always going to be very special, so I decided to opt for a unique 'Soundwave Print'. Should you decide to purchase one (which I thoroughly recommend you do); they come in two different sizes and, once you have placed your order, you are required to send a short recording of a message you would like to give to the receiver of your gift. There are several options you can choose from in terms of colour, a borderline etc and you are asked to clearly state your options when sending your order across. What is then posted to you, 48 hours from completing the order, is a unique soundwave print of your voice and your message.
I chose a red soundwave to match the red theme running through our abode, I also chose a grey background to add depth to the piece and recorded myself saying 'Daisy Loves Daddy'. A simple, but perfect and very personal gift for Mr Peachy to treasure.
Aside from the originality in Owlish Grey's designs, her attention to detail in each step of the process really inspires me. Her packaging is personal, even her envelope stamp is named and she provides you with a barcode so that you can scan and hear your message!
Needless to say, the OH was chuffed with his gift, a lovely memoir of his first Father's Day celebrations and something so personal to him. I would like to thank Gemma, of Owlish Grey, for her wonderful product, incredible service and for her part in making Mr Peachy's day so very special! Owlish Grey gets the official 'Peachy Seal of Approval'!
Check out Owlish Grey's wonderful designs on her Facebook page and Etsy shop: https://www.facebook.com/owlishgrey/app_259525164100619
Coming soon...my first foray into the world of Paper Cutting
