Homemade Pizza: Take One.

Before today, I had never, ever, made homemade pizza. I've had my share of frozen mini pizzas, and eaten pretty much every kind of take out pizza available, but I've never made my own. I remember visiting Jennifer once in Ottawa, and she made homemade pizza, which I inhaled. I marvelled at how fabulous it was, but figured it was too hard to make. But, now that I'm on the "eat local" train, I figure I need to find a way to make some of our family favourites from scratch (or semi-scratch as it may be). After doing a little bit of research, I got Scott to pick up a pizza stone and some pizza paddles for us. I then went to our local Italian grocery store, Longos, and purchased some pizza sauce, pizza dough, mozzarella cheese, pepperoni, sweet roasted red peppers, portobello mushrooms and corn flour. I even bought some yeast so I can make my own dough next time.The first pizza ended up a little deformed because I had a hard time transferring the pizza from the paddle to the pizza stone. It turned out very tasty though, so, for a first attempt, not bad.
The second pizza proved marginally more successful - I slid some plastic plates under the pizza to move it to the pizza stone. Still not perfect, but a little better. I think next time (when I will make my own dough), I will try waxed paper and a lot more corn starch. Regardless, it was a big hit with the family, so I am satisfied with the first attempt.

Interesting note - Scott and I (both lactose intolerant) usually feel a little icky after eating take out pizza. Neither of us felt sick at all after tonight's pizza. I think it is that it is less greasy and there is a little less cheese on it.

If anyone has any tips on how to transfer the pizza to the pizza stone without it losing its shape, I'd sure appreciate your tips. I figure if we make pizza on a weekly basis I'll have it down pat by Christmas.