Whatever your dinner plans for Valentines Day, spice them up and make them festive! What’s more romantic than the classic Lady and the Tramp spaghetti? Shape your pasta into a heart and add sauce; voila! If you’re not into the classic pepperoni heart-shaped pizzas that Papa Murphy’s puts out for the season, or you just want to make your own, check out the recipe below for a basic pizza dough. Add your choice of sauce and toppings to personalize your meal. Or, go for nachos. To stick with the theme, use heart-shaped chips! If you can’t find any in the store, follow the directions below to make your own. Top with whatever you like; peppers, cheese, meat, sauce, beans, etc.
Basic Pizza Dough
1 ¾ cups water
1 Package Yeast
2 tsp Salt
5 cups flour
3 tbsp Olive Oil
Preheat oven to 450º. Add 1/4 ounce package of active dry yeast to warm water. Let it sit and allow it to activate for 10 minutes. Combine the salt and 2 cups of the flour in a mixing bowl, then add the yeast and water mixture. Mix together and add the olive oil. Add the rest of the flour gradually while mixing. After the ingredients are well combined, dust your counter or board with flour and knead until smooth. Add some extra olive oil to a bowl and coat the dough thoroughly before adding it to a plastic bag to rise for 45 minutes (this should be in a moderately warm place). The finished dough will make 2 12-inch pizzas.
Spaghetti-Sauce
1 can diced tomatoes
1 can tomato sauce
1 can tomato paste
2 tbsp sugar
½ tsp each of basil, oregano, pepper, and salt
Combine all ingredients in a pan and simmer for 20 to 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add more sugar for a sweeter taste, or crushed red pepper for a spicier sauce.
Chips from Corn Tortillas
Preheat oven to 350º. If you have a heart-shaped cookie cutter, press it gently into the tortilla and it will easily cut. If not, take any small knife and free-hand the shape. Arrange on a baking sheet so that they are not touching; however they may be close. Spray with an oil of your choice and add as much salt and/or seasoning as you would like. Bake for 10 minutes.
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