pizza from home

since this is both a crafting AND food blog, i thot i'd highlight some food stuff tonite. one of the things i have been trying to perfect this past year is homemade pizza. anyone bake pizza at home? and i'm not talking the bake at home stuff you get from the store!

i have tried several different crusts, made in my trusty bread machine. and while they have turned out OK, none have blown our socks off. i still haven't finessed the cheese, sauce, toppings ratio either. half the time i think i put on too much and it starts sliding off the crust.

here are a couple crust recipes i've tried (all for use in bread machine):

Basic Pizza Dough

1 1/3 cups water
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
3 1/2 cups unbleached flour
1 Tbsp sugar
1 1/2 tsp salt
2 tsp yeast


Whole Wheat Pizza Dough

1 1/3 cups water
1/4 cup olive oil
2 1/2 cups unbleached flour
1 cup whole wheat flour
1 1/2 tsp salt
2 tsp yeast


Another Pizza Dough Recipe

1 1/8 cup warm water
1 1/2 Tbsp olive oil
3 1/3 all purpose flour
1 1/2 tsp salt
1 1/2 tsp sugar
1 1/2 tsp yeast

and from this website---

Thin Crust Pizza Dough
1 cup plus 2 tablespoons warm water (110 degrees F.)
2 tablespoons plus 1 teaspoon extra-virgin olive oil
1 tablespoon sugar
2 teaspoons salt
3 cups bread flour
1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons semolina flour
3 tablespoons Dough Relaxer (optional)
3 teaspoons instant active dry yeast

i haven't made this one lately, but when i did we did like it. so maybe i should try it again.

i have also tried par-baking the crust before hand, baking on a hot stone or not, and using different temps and different time periods. if i was more organized i would have all that data nicely organized in a notebook, but alas, i'm not ... sigh. since i have a son who absolutely LOVes pizza, i'd like to perfect my crust recipe and then churn out several batches for the freezer to take out at a moments notice. stay tuned to see if i accomplish this before my son graduates from high school.

so what about you, dear reader, have a fav pizza crust recipe to share? or even a tip or hint on making pizza at home? i'd love to hear your comments. please! i'm begging you---give me a comment!!!

more news

wow---was it really a whole week ago that i last posted here. life has been busy. i'm finding i dont' get alot done on the weekends, personally, craftily, or houseworkwise either. this past sunday i caught up on my sleep and had a delicious nap in the middle of the day.

but, good news! i have been making progress on the craft area and have been making cards. i have 7 done and ready to be photographed and then sent to my sis to sell at her school. if you read my previous posts about my card photography skills you know i need to figure out how to take better pics. any hints? any ideas what i might be doing wrong? when i catch my breath after making more cards, i have mending to do first, but soon hope to get to my sewing machine. what is it about fall that makes me want to nest and make new bedding, slipcovers, pillowcases and all.

in fact, i have an upcoming post from another blogger who made slipcovers for her couch pillows. she did an outstanding job, and i can't wait to share her with you.

i also have found other bloggers that are simply much more talented than i. i'm toying around with just showcasing others wonderful stuff! but i dont' think i could do that totally. i'll have to think on this more ... and if you have any ideas,or want to see something specific on handmade blessings, please leave me a comment! i love comments!

Check This Out!

i was web surfing today and came across this wonderful blog. kelli has a great blog full of recipes, home decorating tips and pics, and paper crafting fun. make sure you scroll down to her fall paper card that she not only shows off, but shows the reader how to make it too. this is part of her carnival she hosts every thursday. i think i may have to join the fun, if not this week, definitely next.

if you come across any great websites or craft-y blogs, let me know about them and i'll highlight them here on homemade blessings.

now its time to get off my butt, and go visit the Y.

update

sorry i've been MIA. was sick over the weekend, and #1 son had something going on. took him to doc and dentist and couldn't find anything the matter.

i did get a chance to dig out some card making supplies and do a little creative crafting. nothing to show yet. still can't find certain necessary items, such as my paper cutter, white cardstock and such ... soon!

checked out the book "sew what! skirts" from the library. am looking forward to trying her way of making skirts. have my eye on the A-line skirt, the straight skirt called polka dotty and asian ties, and the east meets west under the tiers chapter. i have fabric for at least one of these skirts that i picked up last spring. and i'm sure if i look thru my stash i might find more goodies. i'm really trying to be a "good girl" and use up as much of my stash as possible before buying anymore fabric. we'll see how "good" i am!

anybody reading any good crafting/sewing books lately?

Pink Cake

doesn't this look so feminine? i get the betty crocker newsletter in my email and they reminded me that it is breast cancer awareness month--thus the pink cake! breast cancer awareness is very dear to my heart as my 83 yr old mother found out last year at this time that she had breast cancer and went in for surgery. it has been a long year, but she seems to be doing well.

the betty crocker sight also has recipes for cupcakes, other cakes and goodies as well as for the above pictured pink cake. so if you're looking for something delish to make, go check out their sight.

More Cards I've Made

here are some more cards i made this past year. my fav is probably the last one. just love that red and white.

Organizing My Craft Area

i didn't post yesterday cuz i was determined to get some decluttering, rearranging, and general, all around work done in my craft area. we moved into this small apt 2 mo ago and i'm just now really getting into it and getting it all set up like i like. everywhere else in the house is 90% done, but for some reason my craft room always takes last seat.

and i'm determined to get it functional, cuz i so want to dig into my stash and start creating again. i just need one more table so i can put my sewing machine and serger out. and i need to put some more bookshelves up to hold my clutter. i need to find a trashcan for the room and make room to put my radio in there. can't craft creatively without some tunes. i'm debating whether to put my laptop in there or let it stay in the bedroom. sometimes i use it for crafting, but not 100% of the time. it might just be in the way ...

well, there you have it. my lame excuse why there was no post yesterday. hopefully, i'll find something creative to share tomorrow.

until then, happy crafting!