Pancakes and Pizza = Abundance

Abundance – defined according to Merriam-Webster as “an ample quantity”. The love I feel from my kids when they want to spend time with me in the kitchen is abundance. Over the past two days I have been blessed with two sweet children wanting to do a little cooking with their momma in the kitchen. And oh, I am so grateful.

You see, it’s something I always wanted to do from when they were babies.  Probably has something to do with the fond memories of myself as a child spending time with my mom in the kitchen.  So I make it a point to invite them in whenever possible because for one thing, I don’t like spending time alone in the kitchen over the dinner hour, I want to spend time together as a family.  So every time I can, I invite my kids into the kitchen.  Letting them know they are wanted there is so important.

Yesterday my son, the avid Lego builder, wanted to “build some pancakes”.  I have to admit, the recipe isn’t homemade – it’s just a mix, but that’s not the point.  He wanted to spend time in the kitchen – with me.  So he was able to mix up the pancakes, pour them onto the griddle and then flip them over.  He was so proud.  And his sister was a little jealous!  Enough that she wanted her own night in the kitchen.  Which turned into homemade pizza night with homemade crust + a spinach and strawberry salad that she actually ate part of!  And this pizza crust is a winner.

Pizza Dough

Recipe adapted from Cooking Light.

  • 1/2 teaspoon sugar
  • 2-1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
  • 2/3 cup warm water (100-110 degrees)
  • 1-1/2 cups whole grain white all purpose flour
  • 2-1/2 tablespoons cornmeal
  • 2 teaspoons butter flavor popcorn oil (it’s all I had – out of olive oil!)
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 2 tablespoons additional flour, as needed
  • Non stick cooking spray
  1. Dissolve sugar and yeast in warm water in large bowl, let stand 5 minutes.
  2. Add flour, cornmeal, oil and salt to yeast mixture and stir until soft dough forms – this is where it’s fun to get your hands in the dough, especially for kids.  Knead 5 minutes.  Add additional flour as needed if sticky.
  3. Coat large bowl with non stick cooking spray, add dough and cover.  Place in warm area (like on your stove top) for 45 minutes or until dough has doubled in size.  Punch dough down (another fun one for kids) and reshape into a ball.  Recoat bowl with non stick cooking spray, place dough in bowl and cover.  Let rise additional 20 to 30 minutes or until doubled in size.  You are now ready to roll it out!

Tip: I cook my pizza on a stone – place it in the oven about 15 minutes before you are ready to cook the pizza (at 410 degrees) and let it warm up.  Once the dough is ready to roll, work quickly and carefully.  Top with toppings and place back in the oven for another 8 to 10 minutes.  Crisp, yet tender pizza crust every time.

All that and some pumpkin carving too.  Abundance for sure.

1 Comment

  1. […] 1. Try a whole-grain crust. Now, you can purchase pre-cooked whole wheat crusts as well as use things like flat bread or tortillas made from whole grain. You can also find pizza crust mixes with a direction of just adding water. All of these methods are quick. If you feel the need to “knead”, then try out my whole wheat pizza recipe here. […]

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