Pizza and Movie Night!

Lately I have realized how fast time goes. My baby girl is now 5 and just had her Kindergarten Roundup Evaluation - talk about a reality check on how old your child is getting - I can't believe that she'll be going to Kindergarten this year. My real baby is finally walking at 14 months and we are so excited to see all of his milestones, but sad to see his baby-hood fading away. So, I have decided to start a new tradition at our house so that we can bond as a family and enjoy our time together while we still have it to share. We started Pizza and Movie Fridays. I found this great recipe from a site called simplemom.net and it is delicious homemade pizza and sauce, then you just add your favorite toppings! It is super easy and the kids help me put all the toppings on so it is fun for them too. We have a great time making it and eating it and then watching a movie. So far it has gone so well that I thought I'd share the idea and the recipe. If you have any other fun family traditions let me know! Have fun making pizza!

Pizza Crust:
3/4 cup warm water
1 teaspoon sugar
2 Tablespoons butter, melted
2 1/2 cups flour
1 Tablespoon yeast

Mix water, butter and sugar in bowl. Add part of the flour and stir. Add the rest of the flour and yeast, stir together. (I usually need to add a little bit more water). Knead for 6-8 minutes, until dough is smooth and elastic. Set dowgh in bowl and grease the top. Cover with towel and set in warm place to rise for 45 minutes. Knead again until air bubbles are gone (if you don't have time, skip the rising part and just press dough into pizza pan or cookie sheet). Liberally butter a 16 inch round pizza pan and press dough into it. (I use a cookie sheet) Spread with sauce and any additional toppings. Bake at 400 degrees for 10 minutes. Rotate crust and bake for 5-10 more minutes - until top is browned.

Sauce:
15 oz can tomato sauce
6 oz can tomato paste
1 Tablespoon ground oregano
1 1/2 teaspoons dried, minced garlic
1 teaspoon ground paprika

Mix tomato sauce and paste together until smooth. Mix in spices.