Rustic Fall Pizzas

One of the best seasons in Italy is the fall. This is the harvest times in both the north and south and with it, the last of the tomato crops. Home cooks decide to use these into hearty , rustic pizzas that are not only a treat but a satisfying , healthy meal. Home made style pizza is the best .It's so flavorful and truly nutritious.

Making a pie at home is a relatively easy dish to create. Nothing beats a homemade crust. You can make it with regular flour or for a healthier bite, brown or unbleached flour. If you use the last just remember that it the crust may not be as crisp as one made with white flour. All  doughs require yeast olive oil, water and a bit of sugar. You can use a bread paddle or your hands to knead the dough . If there are little ones and they want to help, let them knead as well.This is a great learning moment for them and they can also put their two cents  in how they want their favorite dish made. You can also make  square pizzas with thick crusts or the more fun  almost cuplike individual ones.

Rustic pizzas are not fancy ones with exotic toppings. One of the best is the old fashioned type with just a topping of cooked plum tomatoes. These are usually crushed  with basil for more flavor. The sauce can be either  canned or fresh  and layered thickly on top. If you want to add cheese add circles of  mozzarella slices scattered on top as opposed to mozzarella shreds being strewn all over. If you want any toppings, again think simple.Roasted garlic  onions or olives are all good and are chock full of phytochemicals and antioxidants.You can also create a covered pizza by sealing in the topping with a top layer.It's the truest form to a pizza rustica.

This is the time of year when a rustic pizza suits the bills.It's hearty lunch or dinner, perfect after a day of football or apple picking.  It's a great way of enjoying the last of the tomato harvest while getting a healthy dose of  nutrients Make one for your family to enjoy during these brisk days.