Homemade Pizza (Mario Batalli style)

Makes 2 large pizzas

Dough:

1 cup warm water

3 tablespoons olive oil

2 teaspoons sugar

1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt

3 cups all purpose flour

2 teaspoons yeast

Add these ingredients together in this order to a bread machine bowl (or in a regular bowl if doing it by hand). Put the machine on dough setting and begin mixing.

Sauce:

2 tablespoons olive oil

1/4 medium onion, diced

3 cloves garlic, chopped

3 1/2 cups tomato puree (1 28oz. can)

Sprig fresh thyme

Sprig fresh basil

2 teaspoons kosher salt

Freshly ground pepper

Heat the oil in medium saucepan on medium heat. Add garlic and onion and sautee until light brown. Add tomatoes, salt, pepper, and herbs. Simmer covered for at least 10 minutes. Discard the sprigs.

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Grease 2 pizza stone(s) or pan(s) with olive oil and sprinkle corn meal on them. Cut dough in half and roll out each and place on pan(s).  Sprinkle oregano, fennel seed, and Romano cheese on top of sauce. Top with FRESH mozzarella and any veggies or meats that you like.  Bake at 400 degrees for 20-25 minutes or until cheese starts to bubble and brown. Remove from oven and ENJOY!