Chicken Bacon Pizza

Who doesn't love pizza? That's right, everyone loves it! This recipe is much better than the cheap $5 Little Caesar's or a yucky frozen pizza, which by the way I got for free the other day. See how unappetizing that frozen pizza is below?!? (When I opened the box all of the toppings were in one frozen lump on the side of the thin cardboard crust. Very disappointing!) I don't think it requires too much effort to mix up a batch of dough and slice up some toppings. It's well worth it to create a meal that everyone loves. Sometimes we do a pizza a bar and let the kids add what they want to their own personal pizza. Other days we make one big one. Two of our favorites are this chicken bacon that I will list the ingredients for and Hawaiian (you know, the old ham and pineapple.)

Recently a local grocery store had a promotion where you purchased the pizza stone and received several grocery items for free. (See ugly pizza on the side!) I had been thinking about buying one because my old one broke. I decided there was no better time to buy than when I could get some groceries for free...I guess the salad and Texas toast was worth it.

PIZZA DOUGH

1 c. + 2 T. warm water
2 1/2 t. yeast
1 t. sugar
2 T. olive oil
3 c. flour
3 t. salt
1/2 t. basil (optional)
1/2 t. oregano (optional)

1. Combine water, sugar, and yeast in a mixing bowl. Let it proof (sit) for 5 minutes. It should look frothy.
2. Add olive oil, salt, basil and oregano.
3. Add flour a 1/2 c. at a time. When all flour is incorporated knead for about 5 minutes. The dough should be soft and springy.
   
4. Let rise for 30 minutes or until it doubles in size. This is a good time to cut up your toppings.
5. Heat oven to 400 degrees. If you are using a pizza stone put it in a cold oven.
   
6. After dough has rested, roll out and shape.
7. Remove hot stone, place dough on stone and bake for 5 minutes.
8. Remove dough from oven, add sauce and toppings. Bake until golden brown. It usually takes me about 15 to 20 minutes for the edges to look nice and golden.
   

SAUCE

1 c. ranch dressing
1 garlic clove, crushed
2 t. basil
1/2 c. Parmesan

1. Combine above ingredients well and spread on pizza dough.

TOPPINGS

2 chicken breasts, cooked and diced
2 -3 green onions, sliced
3 Roma tomatoes, diced
1 pkg bacon, cooked and cut up
2 c. mozzarella cheese, shredded