Prayer and Pizza Crust

“Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” 1 Thess. 5:16-18

I don't think I need to make the case that a woman is a complex creation. Have you ever heard the saying, men are like waffles (they can compartmentalize things) and women are like spaghetti (everything is interwoven)? It appears many women can think about multiple things at once while folding the laundry, settling a fight, planning the next meal, all while carrying a baby on her hip!

Never underestimate the power of prayer!

As you are preparing your meal for friends and family don't forget to pray for that child, teenager, co-worker, etc who comes to mind. Maybe you've had a young lady at youth just down-load a significant amount of personal information. Not enough to call the authorities, but enough to keep you awake at night praying. Or perhaps it's the child from your neighbourhood who floats in and out of your mid-week kids outreach. They are desperately looking for someone to love and care for them and their face pops up while you are going about your day... wondering, praying, caring deeply.

As I was preparing supper the other day I was thinking about multiple things, one of which was healthy eating. If you're like me healthy eating feels like a never-ending battle – and I'm not winning! (5-10 servings of fruits and vegetables every day?! Really?!)

I've decided to share a recipe which I've adapted from Jean Pare's Company's Coming Breads Cookbook. Each time I make it seems to be slightly different, but here is the basic recipe with a few suggestions for some healthier choices.

Homemade Pizza Crust

3 cups white flour 

1 cup multigrain flour 

1 tablespoon baking powder

1 teaspoon sugar

2 teaspoons instant yeast

pinch of salt

1 ¾ cups warm water (drop water on inside of wrist and it should feel slightly warm)

6 tablespoons oil (canola oil)

Combine dry ingredients, then add warm water and oil to dry ingredients. Stir to combine wet and dry ingredients. (If slightly dry at 1 tablespoon warm water, if slightly wet at a pinch or two of flour.) Flour countertop and knead pizza dough for 5-7 min until smooth and elastic. (You may need to add a few pinches of flour as you are kneading if the dough is sticky.) Lightly flour counter and roll/cut dough to fit pizza pan or desired size. This recipe makes 2 cookie sheet/pizza pans, or 6-8 individual-sized (about 6”) pizzas (depending on the size and thickness of the crust.) Bake at 425F for about 8-9 min (until slightly brown on bottom). Cool shells. (The crusts can be frozen at this point for future use if preferred.) Then top pizza with desired sauce and toppings and bake again at 425F for 10-12 min or until brown and cheese is melted and beginning to turn golden brown. Let cooked pizza sit on cutting board for 3-5 min before cutting. Enjoy! You can always add a side salad to your pizza to add another serving of vegetables to your meal.

Pizza Sauce

tomato sauce

seasonings (I use basil, oregano, garlic powder, marjoram, pepper)

Toppings

meat of choice (choose wisely to cut down of fatty cold cuts)

mozzarella cheese (low fat if desired)

chopped onions

green pepper

mushrooms

broccoli (I know! Sounds crazy but delicious!!!)

Use whatever toppings you like, but this is a great way to add more veggies for a healthier choice.

So the next time you are trying to decide what to make for supper.  Perhaps you can give this recipe a try and while you're kneading the pizza crust you can "Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstance."

Jo-Ann