Mastering the Art of Homemade Pizza: Recipes and Tips
Doug Stockman • June 7, 2024
Pizza is more than just a meal—it's an experience. Whether you're a seasoned home chef or a beginner in the kitchen, crafting your own pizza can be incredibly rewarding. Today, we'll explore three delicious pizza recipes that cater to different tastes and skill levels. So, grab your apron and let's dive into the world of homemade pizza!
Neapolitan Margherita Pizza
Level:
Intermediate
Total Time:
25 minutes
Yield:
One 10-inch pizza; serves 2 to 4
Ingredients:
- One 28-ounce can whole peeled tomatoes, preferably San Marzano, drained
- Sea salt
- "00" or all-purpose flour, for forming and cooking
- 9 ounces pizza dough, at room temperature (store-bought or homemade)
- 2 ounces fresh mozzarella, torn into strips
- 2 large fresh basil leaves
Directions:
- Preheat Your Oven: Place a pizza stone on the lower rack, remove the other racks, and preheat the oven to 500°F.
- Prepare the Tomato Sauce: Grind the tomatoes using a food mill or pulse in a food processor until coarsely pureed. Season with sea salt and set aside.
- Form the Dough: Lightly dust a work surface with flour. Flatten the dough using your fingertips, flipping and pressing until it stretches into a 10-inch circle.
- Assemble the Pizza: Spread about 1/4 cup of the tomato sauce over the dough, leaving a 1/2-inch border. Scatter the mozzarella strips and tear the basil leaves over the top.
- Transfer to the Oven: Lightly flour a pizza peel, then slide the pizza onto the peel. Transfer the pizza onto the hot stone and bake until the crust is charred and the cheese is bubbly, about 8 to 10 minutes.
- Serve: Remove the pizza with the peel, slice, and serve immediately.
Stuffed Pizza Crust
Level:
Easy
Total Time:
1 hour 20 minutes
Yield:
6 servings
Ingredients:
- One 1-pound loaf store-bought frozen bread dough, thawed and risen
- All-purpose flour, for dusting
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
- Large pinch of kosher salt
- Arrabbiata Sauce (recipe follows), cooled
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan
- 1/4 cup shredded mozzarella
- 14 slices pepperoni, chopped
- 10 pieces string cheese, each cut in half
- 1 egg, whisked with 1 teaspoon water
- 4 Roma tomatoes, sliced
- Fresh basil leaves
Directions:
- Preheat the Oven: To 475°F.
- Prepare the Dough: Roll and stretch the dough into a 31-inch rope, then flatten it into a 3-inch wide rectangle. Brush with olive oil and sprinkle with salt.
- Add Fillings: Spread a thin layer of Arrabbiata Sauce, then sprinkle with Parmesan, mozzarella, and pepperoni. Arrange string cheese pieces in a double line.
- Form the Crust: Fold the dough over the cheese and pinch the edges together to seal. Shape into a circle and place seam-side down on an oiled baking sheet.
- Bake the Pizza: Brush the surface with egg wash and bake until golden brown, about 15 minutes. Let rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
- Garnish: Arrange tomato slices and basil leaves in the center and serve with remaining Arrabbiata Sauce for dipping.
Arrabbiata Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup white wine
- Two 15-ounce cans crushed tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- Pinch of sugar
- Kosher salt
Cook the Sauce:
Heat oil in a pan over medium-high heat, add red pepper flakes and onions, cook until softened. Add garlic and cook briefly. Deglaze with white wine, reduce by half, then add tomatoes, Italian seasoning, sugar, and salt. Simmer for 30 minutes.
Barbecue Chicken Pan Pizza
Level:
Easy
Total Time:
30 minutes
Yield:
2 to 4 servings
Ingredients:
- 1 rotisserie chicken
- EVOO or vegetable oil
- 1 red onion
- 3 to 4 cloves garlic
- Salt and pepper
- 1/2 cup chicken stock
- 1 cup ketchup
- 1/4 cup light brown sugar
- 1/4 cup molasses
- 1/4 cup cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon smoked sweet paprika
- 1 tablespoon ground mustard
- 1 pound pizza dough
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons hot sauce
- Cilantro leaves
- Sliced scallions
- Sliced fresh jalapeno peppers
Directions:
- Preheat the Oven: To 525-550°F.
- Prepare the Chicken: Remove skin and bones, shred the meat.
- Cook the Sauce: Heat oil in a skillet, add onions and garlic, season with salt and pepper. Add stock, ketchup, sugar, molasses, vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, paprika, and mustard. Add chicken, coat in sauce, then remove from heat.
- Prepare the Dough: Roll and stretch the dough to fit a preheated 12-inch cast-iron skillet. Sprinkle with cornmeal, press dough into the skillet, brush with oil, and season.
- Assemble the Pizza: Top with chicken and sauce, then cheeses. Bake until golden and bubbly, about 10-12 minutes.
- Garnish: Drizzle with hot sauce, and top with cilantro, scallions, and jalapenos.
Homemade pizza is not only delicious but also a fantastic way to bring family and friends together. Whether you're creating a classic Margherita, a stuffed crust delight, or a BBQ chicken masterpiece, these recipes will guide you to pizza perfection. Enjoy the process and the mouthwatering results!
For more delicious pizza recipes, check out Food Network's Top Pizza Recipes.
Getting your Spartanburg vehicle tax refund: A guide from Select Source Insurance. Did you sell, trade, or wreck (as in a total loss) your vehicle? Did your vehicle get repossessed, or have you moved out of state? You may be eligible for a refund! We understand that navigating property taxes can be confusing, especially when life events like selling or wrecking a car come into play. Many Spartanburg residents don't realize they might be eligible for a refund on their vehicle property taxes in such situations. At Select Source Insurance, we're here to help clarify the process and ensure you get the refund you deserve. When are you eligible for a refund? Spartanburg County offers vehicle property tax refunds in several instances: Selling, Trading, Wrecking, or Repossessing a Vehicle Returning a Leased Vehicle Moving Out of State before your vehicle tag decal expires Transferring a tag does to another vehicle does not qualify What documentation do you need? The required documentation varies depending on why you are seeking a refund. The Spartanburg County Auditor's Office may require: a Bill of Sale Trade-in agreement A statement from your insurance or repossession company Documentation from the leasing company Your new out-of-state registration. How to apply for your refund? You can apply: in person by email: countyauditor@spartanburgcounty.org. by mail: to the Spartanburg County Auditor's office at 366 N. Church Street, Suite 200, Spartanburg, SC 29303 We're here to help Understanding vehicle property tax refunds can be complex. As your local independent insurance agency, we are here to assist with your car insurance needs and related questions. Here is a link: Spartanburg County Tax Refunds Also, did you know you can turn a vehicle tag in online? Yes, it is called a virtual tag turn in or decommissioning a tag. Here is the link: Decommission a Tag If you have questions about eligibility or need help with documentation, contact Spartanburg County. Informational purposes only. Check with the appropriate government entity for actual process.
Driving Smarter: Understanding South Carolina's New Hands-Free Law As your trusted independent insurance agency, we're committed to keeping you informed about important changes that impact your driving and, by extension, your insurance. South Carolina is taking a significant step towards safer roads with the new South Carolina Hands-Free and Distracted Driving Act, which goes into effect on September 1, 2025. This law is a crucial update to our state's distracted driving regulations, and it's essential for all drivers to understand its implications. What Does the New Law Prohibit? Beginning September 1, 2025, the new law prohibits drivers from using mobile electronic devices in the following ways while operating a motor vehicle on public roads: Holding or supporting a mobile device with any part of their body. This means no more holding your phone to your ear, resting it on your lap, or wedging it against your shoulder. Reading, composing, or transmitting texts, emails, app interactions, or website information on a mobile device. Watching any motion, including videos, movies, games, or video calls, on a mobile electronic device. It's important to note that this law applies to a broad range of "mobile electronic devices," including cellphones, portable computers, GPS receivers, and electronic games. Are There Any Exceptions? Yes, there are some specific exceptions where you can still use your device: When you are lawfully parked or stopped. When initiating a voice-based communication that is automatically converted to text, as long as you are not holding or supporting the device. When reporting an accident, emergency, or safety hazard to a public safety official. For navigation, listening to audio-based content, or obtaining traffic/road condition information, provided the device is not held or supported by your body. To initiate or end a cellular call without typing, and without holding or supporting the device. When using equipment or services installed by the original manufacturer of the vehicle. Penalties for Violations To allow drivers time to adjust, law enforcement officers will only issue warnings for violations during the first 180 days after the law goes into effect (from September 1, 2025). After this warning period, the penalties will be: First offense: A fine of $100. Second or subsequent offense (within three years): A fine of $200 and two points assessed against your driver's license. It's important to remember that officers can stop you if they have a clear and unobstructed view of you unlawfully using a mobile electronic device. While you cannot be arrested solely for a hands-free violation (unless you fail to appear in court or pay a fine), accumulating points on your license can impact your driving record and potentially your insurance rates. Why This Matters for Your Insurance Distracted driving is a leading cause of accidents. This new hands-free law aims to reduce those accidents, making our roads safer for everyone. For you, as a driver, adhering to this law is not just about avoiding fines and points; it's about reducing your risk of being involved in a collision. Fewer accidents can lead to: Lower insurance premiums: A clean driving record with no distracted driving violations can help keep your car insurance rates down. Avoiding claims: Preventing accidents means you won't have to go through the hassle of filing an insurance claim, dealing with repairs, or managing potential injuries. Protecting your deductibles: Each claim typically involves paying a deductible, so avoiding accidents saves you money out-of-pocket. As your independent insurance agency, we work with multiple carriers to find you the best coverage at the most competitive rates. By driving responsibly and complying with the new hands-free law, you're not only contributing to safer communities but also actively helping to protect your insurance standing. If you have any questions about how this new law might affect your specific insurance policy or if you'd like to review your current coverage, please don't hesitate to contact us. We're here to help you navigate these changes and ensure you're well-protected on the road.
South Carolina Teens will have to wait! Coming Soon: Stronger, Safer SC Driver's Licenses Are On The Way! As your trusted independent insurance agency in Spartanburg, we're always looking out for updates that impact our community. That's why we want to bring your attention to an important change coming to the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles (SCDMV) this fall: the rollout of more secure driver's licenses, beginner's permits, and identification cards. This isn't just a cosmetic update; it's a significant step forward in protecting South Carolinians from identity fraud and ensuring the integrity of our official identification documents. What's Changing and Why It Matters The SCDMV is modernizing the way licenses and ID cards are produced, incorporating advanced security features and upgraded materials. Here's a breakdown of what you can expect and why these changes are so beneficial: Enhanced Security Features: The new cards will be made from stronger materials and utilize state-of-the-art printing techniques, including laser engraving. This makes them significantly more resistant to counterfeiting, providing better protection against identity theft for you and a more reliable credential for law enforcement and businesses. Centralized Issuance: South Carolina is joining at least 45 other states and the District of Columbia in centralizing the production of all licenses, permits, and ID cards. This process enhances efficiency and allows for the inclusion of high-level security elements that weren't previously feasible. New Look, Familiar Symbols: While specific design details are still to be announced, the new cards will prominently feature iconic South Carolina symbols like the Palmetto Tree and the State House, making them both secure and a proud representation of our state. What Does This Mean for You? Good news! You do not need to take any immediate action. Your current South Carolina driver's license or identification card remains valid until its listed expiration date. However, here's what to keep in mind for new applications or renewals: In-Person Application, Mail Delivery: Beginning this fall, you will still apply for licenses or ID cards in person at SCDMV branches. You'll present your required documentation and complete any applicable testing. Temporary Certificate: Instead of walking out with your permanent card, you'll receive a temporary driving certificate or identification certificate. This temporary document will be valid for driving, voting, and other uses while you await your permanent card. Mail Delivery for Permanent Card: Your new, permanent, secure card will arrive by U.S. mail within 7-15 business days. Don't Wait Until the Last Minute: If your license is nearing expiration, the SCDMV encourages you not to wait until the very last day to renew. Since the new cards will be mailed, allow ample time for delivery. REAL ID Remains Important: While separate from this security upgrade, remember the importance of a REAL ID. As of May 7, 2025, a REAL ID compliant driver's license (indicated by a gold star) or another federally approved identification (like a valid U.S. Passport) is required to board domestic commercial flights or enter secure federal facilities. If you plan to fly or access federal buildings, ensure your current license is REAL ID compliant or plan to obtain one during your next renewal. We believe these advancements from the SCDMV are a positive step for all South Carolinians. A more secure driver's license helps protect your personal information and provides greater peace of mind in our increasingly digital world. As always, if you have any questions about how these changes might impact your insurance needs, or if you need assistance with any of your personal or business insurance policies, don't hesitate to contact us. We're here to help you navigate these updates and ensure you're always well-protected. More information here: South Carolina DMV - Roll Out