Homemade pizza is tricky, unless you have a Trader Joe’s nearby and can use their Pizza Dough (Plain Vegan), Then its easy and the “homemade” crust is perfect. When I went to cut the pizza my dear husband had the entire pizza in his hands and “going down” before I could even cut it. There’s the proof of success! As he grabbed the pizza I grabbed the camera…Mmmmm….I heard the low humming of gastronomic satisfaction. Then I turned the camera on the dog sitting nearby. Even Cypher, our Weimaraner, was enthralled by the scene, eternally waiting for a share in the human enterprise…. and eternally disappointed. I knew what he was thinking, “Why you and not me?! Why would I be left out? When is it coming my way?” The existential questions abounded. Wait, that’s what I would have been thinking. Here’s what he was thinking, “Mmmm, me, me, me.”

Ingredients

• Pizza dough – one plain Trader Joe’s pizza crust (bagged and in the refrigerator section) – You can also make your own or use an already prepared crust (such as Boboli Pizza Crust).
• Olive Oil (enough to lightly brush on dough to help it become crunchy)
• S & W canned tomatoes – petite cut (drain liquid and discard; slightly mash the tomatoes)
• Fresh pineapple – cut in small pieces
• Green pepper – cut in small pieces
• Savoy Savory Italian Dressing Seasoning (I purchased this seasoing in Chicago, but I’m sure you can get it online or use regular Italian seasoning). The Savoy seasoning has a slightly sweet taste, which goes well with the pineapple/pepper pizza. If you use regular Italian seasoning, you may want to add a little sugar to it.
• Mozzarella or vegan cheese (optional – I like my pizza without cheese)

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 475 degrees F. Place a pizza stone in the oven unless you leave yours in the oven all the time like I do. If you are using a pizza stone, it must heat for about 30 minutes.
2. Separate the pizza dough into three equal pieces (if you want smaller pizzas, or leave as one piece if you want a larger pizza).
3. Roll out on parchment paper (as thin or thick as you want it).
4. Lightly brush the dough with olive oil.
5. Spread enough tomato on the dough to reach the edges. Sprinkle Savoy seasoning on it.
6. Place pineapple and green pepper pieces on the tomato layer and sprinkle more seasoning.
7. Place the pizza and parchment paper on the pizza stone and cook for 8-10 minutes (if on pizza stone) and longer if not on a pizza stone.
8. Enjoy and remember that every meal is the opportunity for another story.