Finally, Something We Like Which is Good For Us: Pizza

You probably already know that pizza is a popular food, but did you know that in the United States upwards of 350 slices are eaten every single second? That astounding number of pizza slices eaten at every moment attests to the infatuation Americans have for this easy to eat, tasty and quite healthy fast-food.  You might be surprised to hear that pizza is healthy, considering its high cheese and oil content, but if prepared the correct way, pizza can be quite a healthful food.

Food chemists explain that the key to preparing a healthy pizza pie is to make the crust with whole wheat flour and to bake in a very hot oven. Using whole wheat flour in place of white flour is the single most important factor in pizza making which causes the release of the disease fighting compounds known as anti-oxidants.  It has been shown that antioxidants can protect people from developing cancer and heart disease. The longer the pizza was cooked, and the higher the temperature, also contributed to raising the levels of antioxidants in the pizza. It also helps to let the dough rise longer. Doubling the dough-rising time from one day to two also doubled the amount of antioxidants found in the pizza.

It is nice to know that with a minimum amount of effort pizza can go from being just a tasty treat to a healthful meal for you and your family. Here is a recipe for healthier pizza crust that you can easily make yourself.

Whole Wheat Pizza Crust with Enhanced Antioxidant Availability
Ingredients
1 packet active dry yeast (2 ¼ teaspoons)
1 cup warm water (100-110°F)
3 tablespoons honey
1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon vegetable oil
1 ¼ teaspoons salt
2 ¾ cups whole wheat flour
The day before…
•  Combine yeast and warm water in a small bowl. Stir with whisk until yeast dissolves.
•  Add honey, oil and salt. Stir with whisk until honey and salt dissolve.
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•  Measure flour into large mixing bowl. Add water mixture to flour.
•  Mix with wooden spoon until dough forms.
•  Transfer dough to floured surface and knead by hand for 2 minutes. Dough may be sticky.
•  Divide dough into 3 sections and shape each section into a ball.
•  Transfer dough balls to a lightly oiled pan, leaving a few inches for each ball to raise.
•  Cover pan loosely with plastic wrap.
•  Store pan overnight (~18 hours) in the refrigerator.
The day of…
•  Allow dough to come to room temperature. (about 30 minutes)
•  Preheat oven to 500°F.
•  Roll each ball out to a 12 inch circle on a pizza screen.
•  Top with tomato sauce, cheese and desired toppings.
•  Put pizza in middle rack of preheated oven. Bake for 6 – 8 minutes, until crust gets browned.
•  (A pizza pan or stone can also be used to bake the pizzas. Baking times may change.)

About

Rachel Forsythe has a B.A. in English Literature and worked as an editor for a local weekly news magazine. She is now a stay-at-home mom, raising three younger boys and two older daughters. Her favorite activities are hiking, reading, traveling, bike riding, skiing in the winter and surfing in the summer. She also loves to cook. Be in touch with Rachel at Rachel[at]sunstoneonline.com

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