From-Scratch Homemade Pizza

Over the weekend I decided to do something savoury as I haven't done so in a while, this is so simple to make and its delicious too- perfect for if you want a home cooked meal. One thing I have done differently is to activate the yeast previously, this is to make the dough lighter. Happy Baking xx.

Ingredients:

300g strong white bread flour
1 tsp instant yeast
250ml lukewarm water
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tin of chopped tomatoes
100g grated cheese
125g mozzarella cheese
salt & pepper
1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
5-6 slices of chorizo ( Optional)
3 slices of cooked ham

Method:

1. For the pizza dough: Take a jug add in 50ml of the lukewarm water, and then add the yeast- set aside for 5 minutes until the mixture is frothy. This begins yeast activation and will eventually lighten the dough. In the meantime, in a large bowl add the flour and the salt and mix well.

2. Once the yeast has properly activated, pour into the dry mixture, and mix. When that has been mixed in add the rest of the 200ml of water and the olive oil. Then with a wooden spoon, mix well so the dough is soft and slightly wet- this is to make sure you have an elastic pizza dough. Turn out onto a floured surface and knead for 5 minutes, until springy to the touch. Place in a bowl, and cover with a tea towel, until ready to put toppings on.

3. To make the passata take the chopped tomatoes, place in a jug and blitz with a hand blender. Add in the Worcestershire sauce and the salt and pepper (to taste). Rip or chop the chorizo and the mozzarella. Use your hands and rip up the ham into small chunks.

4. Pre-heat the oven to 220C. Place the dough on a floured, warmed baking sheet. Press out the dough with your fingers ontot the baking tray, then stretch the dough into the corners and shape to fit. Place the passata on the dough and spread evenly with a pallet knife. Then place the mozzarella, chorizo, ham ,and grated cheese onto the base.

5. Bake for 8-10 minutes, I had mine with garlic bread, it was delicious.

Happy Baking! Enjoy, Beth xx

Cheese and Bacon Plaits

I adore this snack, it is so simple and quick to make. These cheese and bacon plaits are really good for party food. They are best served warm out of the oven! Have fun :-D

Ingredients:

Dijon mustard - only a little for brushing
1 pack of grated cheese
1 pack of bacon
Ready roll puff pastry

Method:

1. Pre- heat the oven to 200C.

2.. Roll out the puff pastry until roughly 30- 40 cm in length and width.

3. Brush the pastry lightly with Dijon mustard and sprinkle on the grated cheese.

4. Lay the bacon  horizontally onto the pastry about 3-4 cm apart.

5. Cut so there is one piece of bacon per slice.

6. Trim the ends of the pastry and pick up a slice and twist one hand clockwise and one had anti-clockwise so it makes a twirl. Carry on with the rest of the slices.

7. Bake for 10-20 mins.