Post-Election Presidential Pizza

My original Election 2008 plans included staying in solo, making a pizza, enjoying a glass or several of wine and camping out with Brokaw, Maddow, et al. Fortunately a friend and I decided that if history were happening in Chicago we should be part of it so I abandoned my wild evening with the cat to celebrate with around 250,000 other fired-up fellow citizens. So, in honor of the new President of the United States I made the pizza tonight instead, elitist leafy greens and all! I found the recipe for the dough on another cooking blog. The wine wasn't noticeable but the texture was perfect and the edges crisped up quite nicely. I made the full recipe and cut the dough in half to throw in the freezer for a future pizza night. Depending on your desired thickness one half should be perfect for two servings, especially with a salad or dessert.


Drunken Pizza Dough (Lynsey Lou)
1 1.4oz package fast-acting yeast
1/3 cup warm water (105-115 degrees)
1/3 cup white wine (I used a sauvignon blanc as I had it on hand, but any will do)
1/2 tsp maple syrup (I omitted, but would add with salty toppings for a sweet kick)
2 tbsp oil (I used olive)
2 cups flour
1/2 tsp sugar
1/2 tsp salt
Any desired toppings (I used low-fat mozzarella, goat cheese, grated parmesan, 1 chopped portabella mushroom cap, black olives, freshly chopped garlic, and arugula)

In large bowl, combine water and yeast. Let set about 10 minutes until foamy on top. Stir in remaining ingredients until mixture forms a soft dough. Knead 5-8 minutes until smooth and elastic and form into a ball. Add to an oiled bowl and turn to coat, cover with plastic wrap or a damp towel and let rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size. Turn onto lightly floured surface and roll to desired thickness. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Add sauce and toppings to liking, place on pizza stone or back of a baking sheet and bake 12-15 minutes until cheese is nice and bubbly. If a crisper crust is desired, transfer directly to rack after 10 minutes to finish baking.