First of all, happy almost-birthday to former first lady Laura Bush. Here’s a recipe she gave me last year that I just love. One of my favorite things about working for Laura Bush was her genuine appreciation for good food, whether it was a perfectly-crusted filet mignon or a crispy, healthy pizza. Her whole wheat pizza is no exception: crunchy crust, classic vegetable toppings, and plenty of gooey cheese. Whether you want the ultimate veggie pizza for a cozy night in, a classic pizza margarita to complete an Italian supper, or – my personal favorite – a garlicky white pizza, Mrs. Bushes recipe is a must-make.
Serves: 2-3
Prep time: 1 hour plus 2 hours for dough to rest
For the pizza dough:
Ingredients
- 1 package dry yeast
- 1 ¼ cup warm water
- 1 ½ cup whole wheat flour
- 2 cups white flour
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon honey
- Pinch of salt
Directions
- Proof the yeast in the warm water according to the directions on the package.
- In a mixing bowl, combine flours; add proofed yeast, salt, olive oil, and honey.
- Mix dough to form a ball place on floured surface and knead for ten minutes to form a soft dough.
- Place in a lighted oiled bowl and cover with a towel to allow to double in size (about 45 minutes.)
- Punch dough down and place on lightly floured surface. Knead for one minute.
- Divide dough into four portions, shaping each into a ball. Place in a lightly oiled pan; cover with plastic wrap and allow to rest in refrigerator (about 2 hours).
- Bring dough to room temperature. On floured surface stretch dough ball into a round shape of about 7 inches.
- Brush pizza pan with olive oil and place pizza onto oiled surface.
- Top with desired toppings and bake at 450 degrees for 12-14 minutes.
White Pizza:
Ingredients
- ¼ cup ricotta cheese
- ¼ cup goat cheese
- ¼ shaved parmesan
- ¼ cup mozzarella
- 1 artichoke (quartered and drained)
- ½ cup spinach (fresh)
- 2 cloves minced garlic
Directions
- Top dough with four cheeses; top with artichoke and spinach.
Margherita Pizza:
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon pizza sauce/tomato sauce
- 8 oz mozzarella slices
- ¼ cup torn basil leaves
Directions
- Spread tomato sauce lightly and evenly across dough.
- Top with mozzarella slices, evenly distributed, and finish with torn basil leaves.
Vegetable Pizza:
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon pizza/tomato sauce
- 1 cup grated mozzarella (or more, depending on how cheesy you like your pizza!)
- 1 red pepper, sliced and roasted
- ½ red onion, sliced and roasted
- 1 artichoke, quartered and drained
- 1/4 fresh spinach
- ¼ cup sliced mushrooms
Directions
- While all three pizzas should be done within 12-14 minutes, bake until the cheese is melted and the dough is properly crisped.
