Vegan Pizza

Having grown up in the suburbs of NYC, giving up pizza was hands down the toughest part of becoming vegan. Now that Daiya cheese has hit the market and is growing more widespread every day, I no longer miss pizza cause I make my own...and it's super easy. Here's my totally sweet vegan pizza recipe...

(note: the crust has a long standing time. ie. start early)

Pizza Crust
1/2 tsp yeast
1/4 cup warm water

1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp granulated vegan sugar
2 tbsp warm water
2 tsp olive oil
1 c flour (I use 1/2 c whole wheat or quinoa and 1/2 all purpose unbleached)
(optional: corn meal)

In a big bowl mix the yeast with the 1/4 cup warm water. Set aside for a few minutes. In a small bowl mix the salt, sugar, and 2 tbsp warm water. Add the salt/sugar mixture and olive oil into the big bowl. Stir to combine as well as possible. Add in flour and knead. If all of the flour isn't sticking you may need to add more water. A little water goes a long way. Cover the bowl with a wet dish towel or piece of saran wrap. Let stand for about an hour.

Once dough has risen, roll out on a flat surface. Turn up the edges to make a crust.
*Best option: Use a rolling pin on a rolling mat or pizza paddle. Sprinkle corn meal on the mat before rolling. 
*GTFOH, I don't have fancy schmancy equipment option: Use your counter (clean it first), cover the dough with wax paper or saran wrap and roll with a bottle or can of anything (non-toxic) in your kitchen. Sprinkle extra flour on the counter before rolling.

Now the easy part...
*Optional: brush the crust with olive oil.
*Spread some of your favorite tomato sauce onto the rolled out dough.
*Cover the sauce with your favorite soy or rice cheese. IMHO, Daiya (see below) makes the best cheese for pizza.
 *Add your favorite topping. I like fresh basil personally.

I have a pizza stone which I cook my pizza on, however, I'm sure you can put it on a cookie sheet or maybe even directly into your oven.  Set your oven to 375 degrees and bake for 10-12 minutes. Watch it after a few minutes the first time you make it as every oven cooks differently.

Slide it out of the oven carefully and cut. A pizza cutter (pictured below) is best but a sharp knife will do the trick in a pinch.

On Daiya: You can buy it online or in stores at Whole Foods or Wild by Nature. There are probably other local supermarkets or health food stores that you can buy Daiya at.