Grandma Bonatto's Easy Pizza Dough and Sauce

Growing up, we always had homemade pizza and I looked forward to helping make my own individual pizza as a little girl.   I was so proud to stand on the step stool and make the dough, spread the sauce and put whatever ingredient I wanted on my pizza.  Pizza also became a tradition for my childhood birthday parties and I have since continued the tradition with my son.  In fact, his friends ask him when they receive the invitation if his mom is making pizza.   This recipe is not just for children's taste buds, it is a often requested dish by our dinner guests because it that good.   Beware though, once you taste this, take-out pizza becomes a thing of the past!

Pizza Dough
1 .25 oz Package Active Dry Yeast
1/2 Teaspoon Sugar
1 Cup Warm Water
4 Cups All Purpose Flour
2 Tablespoons Olive Oil
1 Teaspoon Salt

In a bowl, dissolve yeast and sugar in warm water.  Let stand for 10 minutes or until creamy.  Stir in flour, salt and oil  Combine until smooth (I was taught to do this step by hand, but you could use a dough hook on a mixer if desired).  Cover and let rest for 5 minutes.

Pizza Sauce  
1 15 oz Can Tomato Puree
1 Tablespoon Tomato Paste
1/4 Teaspoon Pepper
1/2 Teaspoon Garlic Salt
1/2 Teaspoon Sugar
1 Tablespoon Italian Seasoning
1 Teaspoon Grated Fresh Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese

Combine all ingredients in bowl and mix thoroughly.

Preparation

1. Preheat oven to 450 degrees
2. Spray Pizza Pan with cooking spray
3. Form dough into a ball and begin to flatten dough and increase radius by gently pulling sides.  (hint:  on hands, lightly spray cooking spray on palms to prevent any dough sticking to your hands)
4. Place dough on pizza pan and work dough to edges and repairing any tears as you go
5. Once dough covers pan, with a fork pork holes in pizza dough (see photo below)
6. Spread 1 Tablespoon of Olive Oil over dough, sprinkle with Italian Seasoning and Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese (see photo below)
7. Place the pizza dough in the oven and bake until 10 minutes or until cheese in golden brown (see photo below)
8. Build pizza with your favorite ingredients and finish by seasoning with Italian Seasoning, Garlic Salt and Pepper (to taste).
9. Bake for approximately 12 minutes or until golden brown and serve

Enjoy!