PAPA JOHNS PIZZA

Being that every member in our family LOVES pizza, I was set on finding a homemade crust we all loved. In my search I also discovered you can get just about any copycat recipe for your favorite restaraunt dishes online(what a fabulous day and age we live in)! So, after trying Pizza Huts recipe and an artisan bakery's recipe, we all voted that we like this one best! I would have posted a picture but it was eaten before I thought about it. I'll post one the next time around! Also, keep in mind, this recipe only needs to be started about 1 hour before dinner time, maybe less!

PaPa Johns Pizza

Ingredients
2 1/2-3 cups flour
2 tablespoons sugar
2 1/4 teaspoons fast rising yeast (or fast rise, 1 envelope)
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup very warm water (120 to 130 degrees)
2 tablespoons oil

Directions
-In a large bowl, combine 1 cup flour, sugar, undissolved yeast, and salt; blend well.

-Gradually add water and oil to mixture. Blend at low speed until moistened, then beat for 2 minutes at medium speed. By hand, add 1 1/2 to 2 cupa flour until dough pulls away from sides of bowl.

-On floured surface, knead in 1/4 to 1/2 cup flour until dough is smooth and elastic. Cover loosely with plastic and let rest in a warm place for about 15 minutes.

-Press out dough onto (2) 12-inch pizza pans. Prick randomly with a fork. Let rest again in a warm place for 10-15 minutes.

-Brush crusts lightly with oil then prebake them in a 450 degree oven for 5 minutes.

-Top as desired, then bake again in 450 degree oven for 4-5 minutes, or until desired doneness.

PaPa Johns Pizza Sauce

Ingredients
1 (10 3/4 ounce) can tomato puree
1/4 cup water
1 teaspoon sugar
1 teaspoon olive oil
1/4 teaspoon lemon juice
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon oregano
1/8 teaspoon basil
1/8 teaspoon thyme
1/8 teaspoon garlic powder

Directions
-Combine ingredients in a small saucepan over medium heat.
-Bring to a boil.
-Reduce heat and simmer for 15 to 20 minutes.