Pizza Night!

Who doesn't loveeee pizza?!? We do in my house.  Pizza has been a stable just about every week for nearly 10 years in my home. Families all across the nation eat tens of thousands, or more, of pizza pies each year.  The list of toppings, crusts, cheese, no cheese, and sauces are endless.  I decided many, many years ago that I was going to stop purchasing pizza (filling the pockets of franchise giants) and learn how to make pizza.  Making pizza as a family is not only a blast, but can save you MONEY!

I know some of you reading right now are saying Joyaaaa, I have no idea how to make pizza dough, it's too hard....I've tried before and it turned out sticky and gross. Number 1.) Try again with a different recipe.  Number 2.) You can buy premade pizza dough.  Number 3.)  Eating pizza is a great way to get your veggies in. You see, most people shy away from making their own pizza out of fear of two things that share the same name; the dreaded doughhhhh. I am here to put you minds at ease to both. 

First let's tackle the base of pizza...dough.  THAT is what most people have a hard time with; the consistency, the flavor, the ins and outs of dough making. Most pizza doughs  have 5 basic ingredients: flour, yeast, water, olive oil, salt; choose a recipe and go for it. Some recipes call for a little sugar, oregano, other herbs and the like for your individual taste. Nonetheless, the base is the same. You knead the dough, let it rise in a greased and covered bowl. The bowl needs to be covered-no peeking.  I cover mine with plastic wrap and a towel for 30 minutes. Then, prepare your pizza pans (or whatever you have) and coax the dough to the edge.  I might do a video if the interest is there....

Next, the moo-lahhh/cash money/dough/expense.  Instead of going on and on about how it can save money, how it will be so much fun for you and your family... I'm going to give you a real, live, scenario for my family, and what it would cost to feed us if we were to order out.

Grocery Store:
Flour: $2.75           Meats: $4.00
Yeast: $1.50          Cheese: $3.00
Water: $.02           Veggies: $2.00
Olive Oil: $3.88    Sauce: $.50
Salt: $1.00

I can make 4 pizzas spending $6 on meats and cheeses. Mind you, the price listed is for a BAG of flour, a BOTTLE of olive oil, and salt. Those will be used again, and again, and again. The yeast will be used one more time. Yes, I use coupons and shop on sale-don't you? And other items will be things that are already in the fridge!

Total: $18.65

To purchase 2 cheese and 2 specialty large pizzas-with discounts...run about $45 dollars.  You do the math. *Side note* Don't get me wrong, there is nothing wrong with treating your family by ordering pizza whenever your budget allows. Homemade pizza is just a great alternative.