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The Best Pizza!  OK, The best  “Mediterranean Medley” Pizza A Brief History of Pizza: The story of pizza begins long before its modern-day association with Italy. Flatbreads topped with various ingredients have been a staple food in numerous cultures for millennia. Ancient civilizations from Egypt to Greece enjoyed variations of flatbreads, often baked in wood-fired ovens. These early forms, however, lacked the specific combination of ingredients and preparation techniques that define pizza as we know it.  How is that for a start for The Best Pizza?   The evolution of pizza as a distinct culinary entity is largely attributed to Naples, Italy. During the 16th and 17th centuries, Naples, a bustling port city, saw the emergence of “pizza,” a simple flatbread sold by street vendors to the working class. These early pizzas were typically topped with simple ingredients like tomatoes, garlic, and cheese, reflecting the readily available produce of the region. The use of tomatoes, initially met with some skepticism, eventually became a defining characteristic of Neapolitan pizza. The Pizza Recipe Yields: One 12-inch pizza Prep time: 30 minutes Cook time: 12-15 minutes Mediterranean Medley Pizza Ingredients For the Dough: 1 cup (240ml) warm water (105-115°F) 1 teaspoon sugar 2 teaspoons active dry yeast 2 1/2 cups (300g) all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting 1 teaspoon salt 2 tablespoons olive oil For the Toppings: 1/2 cup pizza sauce 8 ounces mozzarella cheese, shredded 1/4 cup pepperoni slices 1/4 cup sliced ham 1/4 cup sliced mushrooms Instructions: Making the Pizza Dough Activate the yeast: In a large bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let stand for 5-10 minutes until foamy. Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together flour and salt. Mix wet and dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the yeast mixture, mixing with a wooden spoon or your hands until a shaggy dough forms. Knead the dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes, until smooth and elastic. Add a little more flour if the dough is too sticky. First rise: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat. Cover with plastic wrap and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until doubled in size. Note: You can also add a touch of Honey to this to change the flavor of the dough.   Preparing the Pizza Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C). If using a pizza stone, preheat it in the oven as well. Shape the dough: Punch down the dough and roll it out to a 12-inch circle or your desired shape. Assemble the pizza: Transfer the dough to a pizza pan or pizza stone. Spread the pizza sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a small border. Sprinkle with mozzarella cheese, then arrange the pepperoni, ham, and mushrooms on top. Bake: Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly. Cool and serve: Let the pizza cool slightly before slicing and serving. The 19th century witnessed a significant shift in pizza’s trajectory. Queen Margherita of Savoy’s visit to Naples in 1889 led to the creation of the “Margherita” pizza, a patriotic tribute featuring tomatoes (red), mozzarella (white), and basil (green), representing the Italian flag. This royal endorsement propelled pizza into the mainstream, transforming it from a humble street food into a dish enjoyed by all social classes. The 20th century saw pizza’s global expansion, fueled by Italian immigration and the rise of fast-food chains. Variations emerged, incorporating diverse ingredients and culinary traditions from around the world. Today, pizza remains a beloved food, a testament to its adaptability and enduring appeal, a canvas for culinary creativity across cultures and continents. Trust me when I say. You just put the best pizza in the oven. Make sure to share photos and videos of what you made and let us know how it came out. If you like the recipe here for The Best Pizza please let us know.