Margherita Pizza

Margherita Pizza was named after Queen Margherita of Savoy.

A pizzaiolo named Raffaele Esposito of Naples created this dish for the beloved Queen of Italy in 1889. The tomatoes, basil and rich mozzarella cheese represented the colors of the flag of Italy.

INGREDIENTS

1. Basic Pizza Dough (See Below for recipe)

2. 1 pound of plum tomatoes sliced thin

3. 1 pound of fresh buffalo mozzarella sliced

4. 10 fresh basil leaves

5. 2 Tbls of extra virgin olive oil.

6. 1/4 tsp salt

7. 1/4 tsp freshly ground pepper

   PREPARATION

• Roll out dough thin being careful not to tear

• Place a layer of tomatoes on the dough.

• Place a layer of mozzarella on top of the tomatoes.

• Top with fresh basil and drizzle with olive oil

• Sprinkle with salt and pepper.

• Cook immediately to avoid dough from being to soggy.

• Pre-heat oven to 450 degrees

• Cook pizza for around 10 to 15 minutes or until crust is golden brown and cheese is melted.

Pizza Dough

INGREDIENTS

• • 4 cup of all purpose flour

  • 1 1/2 cups of warm water

  • 1 package of active dry yeast

  • 1 tsp. salt

  • 2 Tbls of extra virgin olive oil

  • 1 Tbls of sugar

    PREPARATION

  • In a large bowl pour in warm water and sugar

  • Stir to dissolve sugar.

  • Add yeast and gently stir until yeast is dissolved.

  • Let mixture sit for around 15 minutes to activate yeast.

  • Add oil and salt and gently stir.

  • Add one cup of flour and mix

  • Add a second cup of flour and mix until sticky.

  • Add third cup of flour and mix until dough becomes thick.

  • Place the dough on a floured board and gradually knead in the remaining flour.