Staple Recipes

I am slowly trying to do a better job of cooking from scratch. But, I also have a toddler and I don't like to spend all of nap time making dinner, so you probably won't see me making my own hamburger and hotdog buns anytime in the foreseeable future. Here a few of my favorite really easy from-scratch recipes, accompanied by truly terrible photos.

Pizza Dough

{From The Pioneer Woman}

Ingredients:

1 teaspoon active dry yeast

3/4 cup warm water

2 cups all-purpose flour

3/4 teaspoon salt

3 tablespoons olive oil

Directions:

1. Combine the yeast and warm water in a small bowl. Allow it to sit for ten minutes.

2. Add the flour to the bowl of an electric mixer, fitted with paddle attachment. Sprinkle in salt.

3. Turn the mixture on low, then slowly pour in the olive oil. 

4. Finally, pour in the yeast/water mixture.

5. Stop mixing when everything comes together. Transfer to a lightly oiled bowl and cover with a dishtowel for one hour before using. Makes one pizza. 

6. To make the pizza, roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface, top with all your favorite things, and bake at 500 degrees for ten minutes. 

Italian Vinaigrette

{From Family Feats for $75 a Week}

Ingredients:

1/2 cup vegetable oil 

1/4 cup water

1/4 cup cider vinegar

2 tablespoons grated Parmesan 

1 teaspoon minced garlic

1 teaspoon dried mustard

1 teaspoon dried parsley

1 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon sugar

Directions:

Combine all ingredients in a pint-size container with a tight fighting lid. Shake well. Store, covered, in refrigerator for up to two months.  

Pie Crust

{From The Bonne Femme Cookbook}

Ingredients:

1 1/3 cups all-purpose flour

1/2 teaspoon salt

3 tablespoons cold unsalted butter

2 tablespoons vegetable shortening

3 to 4 tablespoons ice-cold water

Directions:

1. In a mixing bowl, stir together the flour and salt.

2. Using a pastry blender, cut in the butter and shortening until the mixture resembles coarse sand with small pebbles.

3. Add the water, one tablespoon at a time, tossing with a fork until the mixture holds together when you pinch a little with your fingers.

4. Form the dough into a ball and roll to desired size on a lightly floured surface. Makes one crust.

P.S. This is the salad dressing container pictured above. It's the best!