The Betty Crocker Project : Vegan Margherita Pizza

 

This morning I woke up to a man outside my window saying "C'mon Annie! Let's make a little progress girl... Make me proud!" 

Now this man was talking to his beagle mix who apparently was taking her own sweet time doing her business but the words spoke to me none the less. I have a lot things that need doing right now and should really being focusing on this so called "progress" I keep hearing about. Until then... Let's talk pizza. I do hope this pizza makes my random neighbor proud. I know we loved making and eating this little pizza like Jacques Cousteau loved the open ocean* and Thomas Edison loved jerking Nikola Tesla around. I guess I only have one more thing to say today : 

That'll do Pizza - That'll do. 

Margherita Pizza

• 1 Batch of Whole Wheat Pizza Crust (Click Here for a link to the post with the recipe - just substitute in the Whole Wheat Flour) 
• 1 Cup Daiya Mozzarella Vegan Cheese (shredded) 
• 2 Roma Tomatoes (thinly slices)
• 1 Tablespoon Vegan Parmesan Cheese or Nutritional Yeast (save a little to sprinkle over the top)
• 1 Teaspoon Garlic Powder 
• 1 Tablespoon Fresh Oregano (chopped) 
• 1/4 Cup Fresh Basil (half chopped and the other half should be small whole leaves) 
• 1 Tablespoon Olive Oil 
• Salt & Pepper to taste
• Red Pepper Flakes to use on as a topping - optional 
• Cornmeal to dust your pizza stone or pan

Heat oven to 425 - if you are using a pre-packaged Pizza Crust follow baking instructions on the package. Dust your pizza stone or pan with Cornmeal.

Roll out your Pizza Dough into a 12 inch circle. Move your Pizza Dough to the pizza stone or pan and reshape a little if it got all warped when you move it. Sprinkle 3/4 of your Daiya on the dough evenly leaving about 1/2 inch clear along the edge for the crust. Sprinkle with the Vegan Parmesan Cheese and Garlic Powder. Then arrange the Roma Tomatoes in the pizza evenly. Then sprinkle the Capers, Oregano and Chopped Fresh Basil evenly over the top. Then sprinkle the remaining Daiya, Salt and Pepper. Slowly drizzle the Olive Oil over the top evenly and then sprinkle with a little Vegan Parmesan Cheese.

Put in the oven and bake for about 15-20 minutes or until the Daiya is melted. If you are using a pre-packaged pizza crust read the label to see if they have any special requirements or suggestions... like use flour instead of Cornmeal to dust your pizza bottom or baking times etc... better safe than sorry when it comes to pizza.

Once you pull it out of the oven give the little pizza about 3-5 minutes to cool and then sprinkle with the rest of the Fresh Basil Leaves and maybe some Red Pepper Flakes before you serve.

*I grew up watching the Jacques Cousteau specials and really place some of the responsibility for this career I have in the Animal Rights movement on that cute little old French man and his red hat. If for some reason you're not familiar with him - here's a few quotes from a man who is still considered one of the leading experts on dolphins and marine mammals. Hopefully they'll convince you to send an email to SeaWorld today.