Herb and Garlic Pizza Dough

We have used this recipe many times since finding this great cook book, Feeding the Whole Family by Cynthia Lair. This dough can be used for a variety of savory dishes and was originally the recipe of vegetarian chef, Jim Watkins. When Colbey was small this was his favorite dinner to help prep, and even though he's now " big " I think it's still up there on his radar of enjoyment! Have fun and enjoy this fun to make and eat family pizza.

1 Tbs yeast
1 cup luke warm water
1 Tbs honey
1 Tbs fresh rosemary
12-15 fresh oregano leaves
1 Tbs fresh thyme leaves
3-4 cloves of garlic
1/2 tsp sea salt
1 Tbs extra virgin olive oil
1 1/2 cups whole wheat pastry flour
1 cup unbleached white flour

To make the Dough

Combine yeast, 1/2 of the warm water, and honey in a large mixing bowl. Gently stir, then set aside. Let rest for 10 min while yeast comes to life. ( it was always fun for Colbey to watch for the bubbles the awakening yeast creates, this was how he knew it was alive!)
Chop rosemary, oregano, thyme and garlic together until very fine. Add herbs, garlic, salt, oil and remaining water to yeast mixture. Add a little flour at a time. Mix together with a spoon until it becomes too hard to stir. Then transfer to a floured surface and knead until smooth (10-12 min). Add more flour to surface when needed to keep dough from sticking. Place dough in an oiled bowl. Cover and let rest 30 min.

To make Pizza

Preheat oven to 350. Roll dough out to desired shape. Prebake 10-12 min. Remove from oven. Raise oven temp to 450. Cover pizza crust with desired toppings and bake 10-12 min.

prep time: 30 min for dough 25min to finish pizza
makes dough for one 15-inch pizza