I think the key is really letting the dough rest overnight in the fridge. That extra time helps develop the flavor and makes the texture much easier to work with when you are ready to shape it. I usually make a double batch on Sunday and keep it covered with plastic wrap. You can use it for pizza later in the week or even just bake it as a rustic loaf with some olive oil and herbs. The hydration level matters too. I aim for around seventy five percent which gives you those nice open crumb pockets without being too sticky to handle. Let me know what kind of results you get and if you want me to walk through the folding technique I use during the first few hours of bulk fermentation.

For the sauce I actually prefer using a mix of crushed tomatoes and a little tomato paste to get that rich consistency. I add a pinch of sugar and dried oregano early on and let it simmer for about twenty minutes. The biggest mistake people make is adding too much garlic or using pre-grated cheese which has anti-caking agents that prevent it from melting smoothly. Fresh mozzarella that you tear by hand makes a big difference in the final result. I also recommend letting the cheese come to room temperature before you put it on the pizza.

HARBOR

FREIGHT

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We ended up reserving the pavilion at the park near the lake because it has plenty of tables and a grill area that works well for larger groups. Everyone is bringing a side dish to share and we are coordinating the main proteins so there is not too much duplication. I told everyone to bring their own chairs just in case and we have a backup plan if the weather does not cooperate. The shelter has power outlets so we can bring a speaker for music and maybe even set up some yard games like cornhole or ladder toss. If you want to bring your portable speaker that would be great because mine is not very loud outdoors.

We are planning to start around eleven in the morning so we can get the grills going early and eat before the afternoon heat sets in. I will send out a message to everyone later this week with the exact details and a reminder about what they signed up to bring. Let me know if you think we need to arrange any additional activities for the kids since there will be quite a few families attending this year. I can pick up extra lawn chairs and a cooler for drinks if needed.