Perfect Pan Pizza

Another great recipe from my favorite magazine, Cook's Illustrated! This pizza is so easy and yummy. The crust is chewy and buttery and comes out perfect every time!

Dough:

2 T. Olive Oil plus 4 T. for the pans

3/4 C. plus 2 T. skim milk warmed

2 t. sugar

2 1/2 c. flour

2 1/4 t. yeast

1/2 t. Table salt

Adjust oven rack to lowest position and heat oven to 200 degrees. When oven reaches 200 degrees, turn it off. Lightly grease a large bowl with cooking spray. Coat two cake pans (or pie pans) with 2 Tablespoons of oil.

Mix milk, sugar, and 2 T. of oil in measuring cup. Mix flour, yeast, and salt in a stand mixer (or if mixing by hand, mix together and make a well for the wet ingredients) Turn machine to low and slowly add milk mixture, after dough comes together, increase speed to medium and mix about five minutes or until shiny and smooth (or if by hand, stir until the dough becomes shaggy, turn onto floured surface and knead about 10 minutes). Place in greased bowl and cover with plastic wrap. Place in the warmed oven for 30 minutes or until doubled in size.

Transfer dough to lightly floured surface and divide in half. Roll each half into a ball and with a rolling pin, shape each ball into a 9 inch round. Place in oiled pan using knuckles to push the dough to the edges. Cover with plastic wrap and set in warm spot until puffy and slightly risen, about 20 minutes. Meanwhile, heat oven to 400 degrees.

Sauce:

1 T olive oil

2 medium garlic cloves pressed or minced

1 28 oz can crushed tomatoes

salt and pepper

Cook oil and garlic in medium saucepan over low heat until fragrant, about 2 minutes. Add tomatoes, increase heat to medium and cook until slightly thickened, 10-15 minutes.

*I like to add fresh basil to my sauce*

Topping:

1 3.5 oz package sliced pepperoni

3 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded

any other toppings you prefer

Put half the pepperoni in a single layer on a paper towel on a microwave-safe plate. Cover with paper towel and microwave for 30 seconds. Pat the grease off the pepperoni. Repeat with remaining pepperoni. This keeps the pizza from getting too greasy.

Assemble:

Remove plastic wrap from dough, put sauce on leaving a border around the edges, sprinkle with cheese and top with pepperoni. Bake until cheese is melted, about 20 minutes. Let pizzas rest in the pan for 2 minutes. Using a spatula, remove from pans onto a cutting board and cut into slices.