It’s July 25th, and we heard buzz about some “Holidays in July” events around town. But there is still time to make your own warm and cozy summer tradition at home.

Not sure where our imaginations will lead, but we are starting with some bright green basil and rosemary, fresh from our garden for homemade pizza. And we hope to end with star sugar cookies because lately our minds have been captivated by the summer night skies.

It seems like Frozen still might be the first pick, but maybe we will survey our holiday movie collection.

Here is our simple homemade pizza dough recipe (using a stand mixer):

Ingredients:

2 1/4 tablespoons yeast (substitute 1 envelope of instant dry yeast)

1 1/2 cups wheat flour

2 cups all-purpose flour (substitute bread flour for crispier crust)

2 teaspoons kosher salt

1 teaspoon cane sugar

Handful fresh rosemary, finely chopped

1 1/4 cups warm water

4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil (reserve 2 tablespoons)

Preferred pizza sauce, cheese, and toppings

Cooking Instructions:

– Preheat oven at 500 degrees

– In a small separate bowl, prepare 2 1/4 teaspoons of yeast (substitute with one envelope of instant dry yeast)

– In stand mixer bowl, combine 1 1/2 cups wheat flour, 2 cups all-purpose flour, yeast (risen mixture or dry yeast), 2 teaspoons kosher salt, 1 teaspoon cane sugar

– Slowly add 1 1/4 cups of warm water and 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil (if dry, continue to add 2 tablespoons of water at a time)

– Add generous handful of finely chopped fresh rosemary

– Transfer dough to lightly floured hard surface and gently knead dough by hand to form a smooth, firm ball

– Coat bowl with 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil, place dough in bowl, and cover with a towel for one hour (allow to double)

– Divide dough in half and let rest for 10 minutes

– Place dough on a pizza stone or baking sheet sprayed with non-stick spray

– By hand or with a rolling pin, gently stretch dough into desired shape and thickness (the second half of the dough can be frozen, if needed)

– Add desired sauce, cheese, and toppings

– Bake for 8-10 minutes on the lowest oven rack or until crust is golden brown and cheese bubbles

Happy holidays in July!

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