A Food Memory Day~ Paulsen Pizza

One favorite wedding present we received 16 years ago appeared to be a very simple gift. Along with a brown paper bag, there were two round pizza pans, a pizza cutter, a bag of "Pizza Seasoning," and a card on which was written the recipe for Paulsen Pizza.

This gift has brought us years of delicious memories... We have made it a practice to have homemade pizza every weekend. We have shared our love of homemade pizza with many. Our kiddos now beg to make "individual pizzas," and this is great food for a gathering with lots of people, as everyone likes what they put on their own pizza.

What started this lovely journey? Growing up, I would be invited out to play with Kris and Kelly at the Paulsen home. Mrs. Paulsen always made bread on Saturdays, and she would make enough extra dough to use as pizza crust. This meant that supper would be pizza! Spending delightful hours inhaling that amazing aroma of baking bread, chased by the tantilizing tastes of pizza made for Food Memory Days. Always served simply on a paper bag, that pizza consumed around the round kitchen table was more than just a meal. It really was a memory of love.

And that is why that simple wedding present has been so precious to us for so many years. We were given a gift of love, and we have been able to pass it on to so many...

Enjoy with those you love!

Paulsen Pizza

Crust:

Dissolve together in mixing bowl:

2 tsp. yeast

1 tsp. sugar

1 cup warm water

Once yeast is bubbly, stir in:

3 cups flour

1/2 tsp. salt

2 T. oil

Mix well. Knead. Cover and let rise until doubled. (I usually stick the dough in the microwave, as it proves a good proofing box... just don't turn it on!)

Sauce:

1- 8 oz can tomato sauce

1- small can tomato paste

1/8 tsp. garlic powder

1/2 tsp salt

1-1/2 tsp sugar

1/2 tsp. oregano

dash cayenne

1 T. oil

Top with desired toppings and cheese. Bake in preheated 450-475 degree oven- 10-12 minutes trade from bottom to middle rack halfway.

Makes 2 round pizza, serves 4-6.