Recipe: Pizza Blanks (freeze ahead pizza crusts)

PIZZA BLANKS

"Pre-made Pizza crusts are one of the fastest selling items at grocery stores. Unfortunately, they are also very expensive. With a little effort you can make your own and keep a bunch in your freezer for quick dinners or easy snacks. - Submitted by Gina Daiquest"

FOR 2 MEDIUM SIZE OR 4 SMALL PIZZA BLANKS:
Pinch of sugar
1 1/4 cups warm milk
2 packages active dry yeast (I use five teaspoons, because I buy yeast in big bags)
3 1/3 cups flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 egg

Stir sugar into warm milk and sprinkle with yeast. Let stand for five minutes or until frothy. Stir gently to moisten any dry particles.

Sift flour and salt into large bowl.

Lightly beat egg into yeast mixture, pour into flour mixture, combining to make a dough. On a floured surface knead dough until smooth and springy, 5 to 10 minutes. Cover and let rise in a warm place for 25 minutes.

Divide the dough according to your needs and freezer space. Shape each piece into a ball and, on a floured surface, roll to about 1/2-inch thickness. Place on baking sheets and freeze for one hour.

Remove from baking sheets, wrap well in plastic wrap or freezer bags, and place back in freezer. Pizza blanks will keep in the freezer for about a month.

TO SERVE:
Simply thaw, top, and bake at 425 degrees F for about 20 minutes or until the cheese is melted and just browning.

Makes 6 servings
Source: Frozen Assets: How to Cook for a Day and Eat for a Month by Deborah Taylor-Hough