HealthNotes

Canadian Bacon, Pineapple, and Banana Pepper Pizza

• From: Eclectic Recipes

Ingredients

• Dough1 cup filtered warm water

• 1 package yeast

• 1 Tbs honey

• 1 tsp salt

• 2 Tbs olive oil

• 2 1/2 cups bread flour (more if needed)

• Sauce1 Tbs olive oil

• 1/4 cup finely chopped onions

• 1 pinch kosher salt

• 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped

• 1 6 oz can tomato paste

• 1/4 tsp dried basil

• 1/4 tsp dried oregano

• 1/4 tsp dried parsley

• 1/4 tsp fennel seeds

• 1 dash crushed red pepper flakes

• 1 cup water

• 1 tsp red wine (or beer)

• Toppings2 cups shredded Italian cheese blend

• 1/2 cup Canadian bacon, cut into bite-sized pieces

• 1/2 cup pineapple chunks

• 1/4 cup chopped banana peppers, juice squeezed out

A pizza pie that's out of this world!

Directions

• Dissolve the package of yeast in warm water. Add honey and salt and mix to dissolve. Add this mixture to stand mixer. Add olive oil.
• With the paddle attachment, turn the machine on low and start adding the flour until just combined.
• Switch to the kneading attachment and turn on medium speed. Add a little flour at a time until the dough is well combined and the dough has pulled away from the edges of the bowl.
• Continue to knead the dough at medium speed for 10 to 15 minutes. The dough should be springy.
• To see if the dough is done, tear off a small piece and slowly pull the dough at its four corners. If you can stretch the dough without it tearing and light can pass through it, then it's done. If it tears easily, keep mixing the dough for 2 to 3 minutes, and test it again.
• When the dough is done, spray a large bowl with olive oil and turn the dough into the bowl. Cover the dough with plastic wrap and let rise.
• If using the dough soon, place it in a warm area for about 30 minutes or until the dough has doubled in size. If not, place dough in the refrigerator and let rise. Let the dough come to room temperature before working with it.
• When dough has risen, spread a pizza stone (if using) with flour or cornmeal and gently stretch the dough until it is the size of the pizza stone.
• Lightly drizzle or spray the top of the dough with olive oil. Place the pizza dough on a stone in a 450°F preheated oven and bake for 10 to 15 minutes, or until lightly golden brown.
• SaucePreheat a small skillet or sauce pan. Drizzle with olive oil. Add onions and kosher salt, sauté until tender. Add garlic, tomato paste, basil, oregano, parsley, fennel, and red pepper flakes.
• Sauté until fragrant, about 2 to 3 minutes. Add water and wine. Add a bit more kosher salt and simmer for at least 15 minutes, or until desired consistency.
• Assembly:After precooking the pizza dough, remove from the oven and top with pizza sauce.
• Place 2/3 of cheese on top of the sauce. Place the Canadian bacon, pineapples, and banana peppers on the pizza.
• Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top of the pizza. Bake the pizza in the 450°F oven for approximately 10 to 15 minutes or until golden brown.