Welcome to the Ultimate Blog Party!

Starting today, through March 14th,

5 Minutes For Mom

is hosting the Ultimate Blog Party!

Lots of fun, prizes, and meeting new friends!

Go on over to their site to join in.


If you're new to my blog, first let me say,

"Welcome!"
Here are a list of a few things you might like to know, to get to know me a little:

1. I'm a homeschooling mom of two fun-loving girls
2. I run a small boutique business from my home where I design & create girls' clothing - Sunnybrook Farm Designs
3. I have a great husband, really really great
4. I take ballet class, including pointe
5. I am so blessed to be part of a church that is focused on each person "growing up, not just showing up", and my friends are like no other I've ever had
6. I am busy, just like everyone else seems to be these days, but I also enjoy relaxing, reading, cooking, photography, and an occasional board game!

And now, what party would be complete without...
Pizza!!


Everyone who finds out I make my own pizza seems either overwhelmed or confused. Why would you want to do that? That is too hard, right? Wrong.

Homemade pizza is economical, healthier than store-bought, and fun, not to mention easy (it took me 10 minutes to whip up the dough & sauce, and another 5 to top it & put it in the oven).
So here's my recipe... use whatever toppings you have on-hand - I used pepperoni tonight!

Pizza Dough
4 1/2 c. whole wheat flour (divided)
1 package rapid-rise-style yeast
1/2 tsp. baking soda
3/4 tsp. salt
1 1/2 c. very warm water (120-130°) (it's important to have the temperature correct, warm enough to activate the yeast, but not too hot to kill it)
3 Tbsp. olive oil
1 Tbsp. honey or sugar


Combine 2 cups of the flour, yeast, baking soda & salt in a large mixing bowl. Stir in the water, oil & honey. Stir in the remaining flour. Knead in the bowl for a couple of minutes (by hand or with a kneading attachment on your mixer) until the dough looks smooth & elastic. Separate into two balls, place on pizza pans dusted with cornmeal, and let them rest & rise for a few minutes while you get your toppings & sauce ready.

I prefer to use one ball for pizza the night I make the dough, and I wrap the second ball in plastic wrap & put it in a zipper storage bag. Then I place it immediately into the freezer, to be kept until the next time I want to make pizza, when I just thaw the ball in the fridge for a few hours before dinner. But if you have a big family, make both pizzas tonight!

Easy Pizza Sauce:
1 8 oz. can of tomato sauce
1 6 oz. can of tomato paste
2 tsp. Italian seasoning
1 tsp. garlic powder -or- 2 cloves minced garlic
Stir together in a container with a lid, so you can freeze the rest for the next time you make pizza

Now, roll or pat your pizza crust out on a 14-16" circle pizza pan, or to the edges of a rectangular jelly-roll pan or cookie sheet - dust the pan with cornstarch first. Top with sauce, cheeses (I like to use mozzerella & parmesan), and any toppings your family likes. Put it in the oven to bake at 425° for 15-20 minutes, until the cheese starts to turn golden around the edges & is melted in the center.

As you can see, I love to use my Pampered Chef large round stone - it makes the best pizza crusts I've ever created, and they don't burn (what a relief!) Their extra-large sized pizza cutter is awesome, too - I've had it for 5 years, and it still cuts like a dream.

**Party Update - go here for cookies for your dessert after the pizza!**

Now, I'm off to catch up with some blog reading, over at 5 Minutes For Mom!

Oh, and have you seen their prize list? Lots of goodies!!
I'd take these, in any particular order: 20, 32, 70, 92, 100 or 114!