Nancy's Pretty Good Pizza

Makes 3 big 16" pizzas

Ingredients for Crust

2 pkg. Quick Rise dry yeast (I use Fleishman's or Red Star)
3 c. lukewarm ( 110°-115°F )or milk (okay to use skim or powdered dry milk, reconstituted)
4 Tbsp. olive oil
3 Tbsp. honey
1 tsp. garlic powde
1 tsp. onion powder (or) 2 Tbsp Italian seasonings
2 tsp. salt
8 to 10 c. flour more or less)

Directions for Crust
- Mix yeast in milk in glass bowl. Add other ingredients in order.
- Use whisk for first additions, then switch to wooden spoon when mixture thickens.
- You may add the last 2 cups or so of flour by hand during kneading process.
- Knead 2 or 3 minutes on counter or bread board.
- Use the same bowl you mixed in (no washing needed) and pour in a Tbsp of oil.
- Put in the dough, press down, turn it over, and cover with a plate or moistened towel.
- Let sit in bowl half hour or so in a warm place, covered.
- After rising, punch down and divide into thirds
- If you want to freeze your dough, this is the perfect time.
- If using immediately, roll each portion to a 16" circle on floured surface.
- Bake (partially) on greased pan. (about 10 minutes.) remove from oven

Ingredients for Pizza
Don Pepino pizza sauce (try to get that brand if it's available. 1 can is good for 2 pizzas) (or) Alfredo sauce - any brand (1 jar is good for 2 pizzas)
6 to 8 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
a good variety of pizza toppings, meats and vegetables

Directions for Pizza
- Begin with one partially cooked pizza crust.
- Spread sauce of your choice
- Add toppings, and cheese
- Bake at 450°F for about 3 - 5 minutes or until cheese melts.

Hints
- I am really flexible with amounts, and pretty flexible with temperatures, and times. Think of this as a starting point, and don't be too stressed out about getting it exact. Like music, or painting, make it your own.  Sometimes you improvise....
- If it's really cold in your house, you may have a hard time getting your dough to rise. Try pre-heating your oven to the lowest temp it will allow (usually 150-200 degrees). As soon as it is heated turn the oven off and open the door. After about a minute put the bowl of dough in and close the door. When using this method it is really important that the dough is covered with a damp towel.
- If you have frozen your pizza dough take it out of the freezer the night before and put in the fridge. Take out of the fridge approximately one hour before using (more if your house is cold) and allow to come to room temp before rolling out.

Submitted by Nancy

The Greatest Pasta Sauce Of All Time

Ingredients
3 Green peppers
1 Onion
4 Garlic cloves
3 Cans Diced Tomatoes
Italian seasonings
2 tbs Olive Oil

Directions
-  Chop green peppers and onions and saute in olive oil over medium high heat until onions are translucent
-  Crush garlic in garlic press and add to pepper-onion mixture
-  Add tomatoes and Italian seasonings to taste
-  Cook over medium heat for 20 minutes
-  Puree in blender/food processor/magic bullet until smooth

Hints
-  Don't add the garlic too early or cook for too long.  Garlic becomes bitter if overcooked. 
-  For a stronger flavor wait until five minutes before pureeing to add the garlic
-  This also tastes great with browned ground beef or ground turkey added.
-  You could also add mushrooms or olives (or any other veggie) to the saute.

Submitted by Amy

Corinne's Amazing Pasta Dinner

My SIL made this amazing pasta dinner one night when she didn't feel like cooking. I LOVED it and have been making versions of it ever since. This is the best way I've found to duplicate the dish. Check the comments in a day or two to see if Corinne adds any instructions.

Ingredients
1 lb short pasta (such as gemelli or penne)
2 large ripe tomatoes, seeded and chopped
1 package baby spinach, about 6oz
12 ounces fresh mozzarella, cut into bite-size pieces
2 cloves garlic, chopped 
1/4 cup prepared pesto (like this one by Classico)
2 tbs olive oil

Kosher salt and pepper

Directions

-  Cook the pasta according to the package directions.
-  While the pasta is cooking put the spinach in the bottom of a large bowl.
-  When the pasta is finished, drain and return to pan.
-  Add the olive oil, pesto and garlic and quickly stir until the pasta is coated.
-  While the pasta is still very hot, pour it over the spinach
-  Let stand for about two minutes so the pasta has time to wilt the spinach.
- Stir in the mozzarella and tomato.

Hints:
-  It's a good idea to let your tomato, mozzarella and spinach come to room temp before making this dish or the end result will be lukewarm.

Stuffed Shells

Ingredients
Stuffed Shells
1 pound pasta shells
1 cup parmesean cheese
tomato sauce

Filling
2 pounds ricotta cheese
1 cup grated mozerella cheese
1/4 cup parsley
2 eggs beaten

Cream Sauce
1/4 cup butter
4 tablespoons flour
2 1/2 cups half and half - sometimes I substitute 1 cup milk (to be a little healthier)
6 tablespoons parmeasean cheese

Directions
- Boil the pasta shells 2 minutes less than cooking time. Drain and run cold water over them.
- Mix filing ingredients together
- Melt butter in sauce pan, whisk flour in. Add half and half and parm. cheese. Whisk on low heat until creamy.
- Fill Shells
- Line 13x9 pan with tomato sauce and cream sauce. Place filled shells in, top with more tomato and cream sauces.
- Bake at 350 for 20 minutes

Submitted by Erin