Spinach Pesto Pizza ( and crust recipe!)

We all love comfort food. Mashed potatoes, lasagna, etc... the list could go on! I am tired of the same old stuff though! This pizza is one of my favorites- and can be modified in any way that you wish! I have put feta cheese, sundried tomatoes and Calamata olives! Not to mention its a little healthier than your typical grease bomb!

Easy Pizza Crust
Ingredients:
1 packet of instant dry yeast
1 1/2 cups of warm water
1/3 cup of olive oil
4 cups of flour
1 teaspoon of salt

In a small bowl sprinkle the yeast on top of the warm water and let it sit while mixing together the salt and flour in a large mixing bowl.

With an electric mixer on low speed, drizzle in the olive oil until just incorporated.

Gently stir the yeast/water mixture.....

And drizzle it into the flour/oil mixture; mix until the dough forms a ball.

Drizzle a little olive oil into a clean bowl. Toss the dough and turn over to coat in oil.

Let rise in a warm place for two to three hours.

When the dough is risen, sprinkle corn meal onto a pizza sheet to prevent sticking. ( I use a pizza stone)

Using your fingers, gently spread out the dough to desired thickness/size.

Bake on 400º for five minutes or so before putting on the toppings if you are making the spinach pesto version. If you cook it too long the spinach will be super crispy and burnt- that's why I pre-cook my crust about halfway.


Ingredients for Spinach Pesto Pizza Toppings

4-5 handfuls of baby spinach, roughly chopped
1 teaspoon of olive oil
1 jar of basil pesto (you can also use homemade)
1/2 cup of grated mozzarella cheese
Salt and pepper to taste

Use the pesto like a tomato based pizza sauce, and spread to desired thickness over pizza crust.

Toss spinach, olive oil and salt and pepper together in a medium sized bowl until all leaves are very lightly coated with olive oil.

Place on top of basil pesto...and top with mozzarella cheese.

Bake at 400 degrees until cheese is bubbly and browned and spinach is softened.

Cut and enjoy!!