Family Pizza Night: a New and Healthy Tradition

In a world of dual-income families and the hectic schedules that accompany the children in those families, the family dinner table has taken a back seat to drive through meals on the way to soccer practice. Pizza may have been considered a fast food treat, or luxury when I was a child, but in my own family today the family Pizza night is a healthy tradition.

We begin by making our own delicious pizza, using a primarily whole wheat flour crust. The healthiness of whole grains, the lack of any preservatives and the laughter than is created when my eight year old son attempts to twirl a crust in the air, all add to the health of our family in more ways than one.

With every member of the family not only participating in the creation of the meal, but actively so, our family pizza nights have become the high point of our week. The giggles that accompany our debates over white versus traditional red sauce, or which toppings to use, are priceless, and the actual cost per serving is mere pennies to the dollar compared to take out, or even frozen pizza.

Try your hand at the recipe below, and see what new and delicious combinations your own budding chefs can come up with. (My son would tell you that he prefers feta cheese, fresh tomatoes and basil, and just a hint of roasted red pepper…And he feels sorry for kids who have to go to Chucky Cheese’s to have fun)

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

Ingredients for crust:

• 1 cup warm water (between 110 and 120 degrees)
• 1 tablespoon active dry yeast
• 1½ tablespoons honey
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 3 and ½ cups whole wheat flour

Method:

Combine warm water, yeast, and honey, and allow to activate. The yeast will bubble and foam. Add one cup of the whole wheat flour, and beat with a wooden spoon for about 100 strokes, or until the dough appears smooth. Cover, and allow to rise for about 15 minutes in a warm spot. (We use just the stove top as the oven is preheating).

Add salt, garlic powder, vegetable oil and remaining flour, and mix well. Allow to rest for about 5 minutes, and then divide into two equal sized portions, and then allow to rise for another 10 minutes.

If you are feeling adventurous, you can try twirling the dough in the air, but using a floured rolling pin on a floured surface works just as well! Prepare your pizza pans with a cooking spray, then pat and shape the dough into place.

Top with all of your favorites, and then bake in a preheated 400 degree oven for 20 minutes. Some topping suggestions include making a white pizza with alfredo sauce, feta cheese, precooked broccoli or fresh spinach, or a more traditional pizza with tomato sauce, pepperoni, sliced fresh vegetables and topped with grated mozzarella cheese and fresh basil.

Served best with laughter and loved ones, enjoy!