Griff's Kitchen

Ingredients

1 can Crushed Tomatoes – 28oz

1 can Tomato Paste – 6oz

1 tsp Oregano

1 tsp Basil

1 tsp Marjoram

1 tsp Anise Seeds

1 Garlic Clove – finely chopped

1 Yellow Onion or Pearl Onions – minced ( ~ 3/4 cup )

1 tsp Salt

1 tsp Black Pepper – coarse

Tabasco – season to taste

Procedure

1. Combine the onion, garlic, oregano, basil, marjoram, pepper and anise seeds in a microwave safe container (Pyrex® is ideal)

2. Add a small amount of water to the vegetables and herbs until they form a paste-like consistency.  Microwave on high until the mixture reaches 160° (this method is known as Microwave Assisted Extraction)

3. While allowing the vegetables and herbs to cool, combine the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, salt, and Tabasco

4. Add the microwaved vegetables and herbs to the tomato mixture and stir until well blended (The sauce can be simmered at this point, but will reduce the intensity of the tomato flavor)

5. The sauce is now ready to use, or can be refrigerated for up to a week.

Source: David Fesperman (My Father-in-law)

Ingredients

3 cups Flour

1 tbsp Yeast – Active Dry

1 cup Water – Filtered

1 tsp Salt

1 tsp Sucrose

1 tbsp Olive Oil (optional)

Procedure

1. In a large bowl, combine the flour and salt – whisk well to combine

2. In a small bowl combine sugar and yeast – mix well

3. Heat the water in the microwave until slightly warm – anything above 95°F is too hot

4. Combine the sugar/yeast mixture with the warm water – stir constantly to prevent clumping

5. Allow yeast to proof for several minutes, or until substantial foaming is taking place

5. Whisk in the olive oil to form an emulsion

6. Combine the liquid mixture with the dry ingredients and form into a dough

7. Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead until a smooth, consistent dough is formed

8. Add a little flour if dough becomes too sticky to knead

9. Grease a large bowl with oil and place dough-ball inside. Roll the dough so the top-side is oiled

10. Cover with foil or plastic wrap. Wait for the dough to double in bulk…sometimes overnight

11. Remove dough from bowl and re-knead to remove any large air bubbles

12. Divide dough into two, equal parts and form into neat balls

13. Sprinkle cornmeal in a large covered dish (at least 3in deep) – place dough-balls on the cornmeal – cover the dish loosely

14. Allow dough to rise into a thick, pancake shape before use

15. If not to be used immediately, cover the dish loosely and place in refrigerator – up to a few days

16. To form the pizza pie, press down the center of the dough, leaving a 1 inch ring around the outside.  Use cornmeal to prevent sticking.  when the center portion of the dough is flattened, toss until desired diameter is achieved

Link to Dave’s Famous Pizza Sauce

Source: David Fesperman (Father-in-Law)

Ingredients

6 cups Flour – All Purpose

1/3 cup Sugar

1 tbsp Salt

1/2 cup Oil – Canola

1 1/2 cup Filtered Water

1 cup Sourdough Starter or/ Simple Bread Starter / or additional Water

2 tbsp Yeast – Active Dry

Procedure

1. Heat water in microwave (anything above 110º is too hot)

2. Whisk in the yeast and 1 tbsp of sugar, then set aside until foam appears on top of liquid (This means the yeast is metabolizing)

3. In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar and salt. Whisk the ingredients until blended well

4. In a small bowl combine the oil, water/yeast, and starter. Whisk the mixture briskly to form an emulsion.

5. Add the liquid mixture to the dry ingredients and begin working into dough.

6. Turn the dough-ball out onto a floured surface and knead until it is smooth and consistent. (If the mixture becomes too dry, add a little water – If too wet, add some flour)

7. Grease a large bowl with vegetable oil, and place dough-ball inside. Roll the dough so the top-side is also oiled.

8. Cover bowl with plastic film, (or damp cloth) and wait for the dough to double in bulk…sometimes overnight.

9. Remove dough from bowl and re-knead to remove any large air bubbles.

10. Divide the dough into two equal portions and reshape them to fit into loaf pans.

11. Coat two loaf pans with non-stick spray and place the dough inside.

12. Place pans in a warm environment to allow the dough to rise a second time.

13. Allow the dough to rise to ~75% of the desired height of the finished loaf.

14. Bake for 30 minutes in a 350ºF oven (top should be golden brown and loaf should sound hollow when thumped)

15. Remove from oven and allow to cool on a rack

16. Remove from pans and leave on cooling rack until loaves reach room temperature.