A quick classic

I love pizza. It is my favorite food. I love making homemade pizza, but I don't always have the time to make fresh dough. Here's what I do to make delicious deep dish pizza in thirty minutes.

1 package dry pizza dough, like Jiffy or Martha White
1/2 cup spring water
2 tablespoons butter, I usually use butter spread
red sauce, homemade or jarred
cheese, any kind works, I like fresh parmesan and mozzarella
other toppings, like sliced chicken and fresh basil

Preheat oven to 450 degrees. Warm the spring water and mix it with the dry pizza dough. Add one tablespoon of butter and mix until the dough forms a nice ball. You may need to use your hands to get it formed nicely. Rub a little of the remaining butter on your hands and roll the dough ball in your hands, coating it with butter. Let sit in a covered bowl for five minutes.

During this time, I usually prepare my sauce and grate/slice the cheese. Grease your baking dish with the remaining butter. The pan size isn't critical--I've used everything from a 9 inch circular cake pan to a 13 inch casserole dish. I just find that deep dishes work best.

When the dough has set, form it to your baking dish. Whatever you use, make sure the dough reaches the edges. I like it best when the crust is raised up the edge of the pan a bit. Prick the dough with a fork and bake for five minutes.

After taking the pizza out, spread your sauce on top. Less is more, don't overload it. Sprinkle cheese on top. If you want to be authentic, don't cake it on like most pizzerias do. Let the sauce peek through. Sprinkle your  toppings on top and cook for 10-15 minutes longer. Remove and enjoy!