I Think I'm in Love!

   During my college years, I worked full-time as a manager at a video store here in Las Vegas. Right next to our store was a pizza shop. Every day, they would crank up those ovens and the smell of dough and garlic sauce would waft into our video store. More than once, I had customers leave their movies and walk out, unable to resist that smell. After a few months there, I didn't notice the smell anymore, plus, I made sure to be buddy-buddy with the employees, which earned me my fair share of free pizza and cinnamon sticks. So, the torture was minimal.You would be amazed to know how many people order a pizza by phone and never come to pick it up. Most of those tragically homeless pizzas came directly to my co-workers and me. I must say, after working there for more than four years, I thought I would never crave pizza again. I swore up and down that I had had my fill. Now I think, oh, you silly goose. No one can resist melted cheese and warm pizza dough. If you can...we can't be friends.

I must begin the recipe with a warning: If you are on a low or no carb diet, TURN AND RUN. NOW. To make this single pizza, you will need 2 pounds of pizza dough. (I know, yikes)! For those of you with the guts to go for it. I am in love with this super-thick crusted masterpiece:

Sicilian Style Pepperoni Pizza

On a greased cookie sheet, stretch out 2 lbs. of pizza dough. (You can buy pre-made dough, but it is also super easy to make in a bread machine). Spread 1 to 1 1/2 cups marinara over dough. Sprinkle with oregano. Cover sauce with 10 slices of provolone cheese. Cover cheese with 2 oz. pepperoni. Now, here is the secret to the perfect crust. Bake at 18 minutes in a 500 degree oven. (This is the only recipe I make that asks me to crank up the temp that high--it's worth it)

Let stand for five minutes before cutting into squares.