DIY: Sometimes doing it yourself TASTES better

Yes taste. Before Neil and I really took a hard look at our diets, what we were eating, where it was coming from and what it was doing to us, we were the prime demographic for boxed and frozen meals. We ate everything from frozen family-size Lasagna to the staple Totinos that you can get for less than a buck (even less if you coupon). I think our lack of knowledge and fear of experimentation brought us to a place of giving in. Afraid to fail, afraid there weren’t meals you could make in 30 minutes or less, so we kept nom’ing at our cardboard pizzas and taking in massive levels of saturated fat, preservatives, and SALT. Finally, we had enough. We were going to DIY. It wasn’t pleasant at first, we had a lot to learn. We ate some pretty bland pastas and repeated a few recipes more times than I can count. We didn’t know how to plan ahead, how to utilize ingredients diversely, or make things from scratch. It all felt overwhelming. Well it doesn’t have to be. You can ditch those box meals and eat better and make your food go further. Ever notice that when you eat boxed meals, you can eat and eat and eat, and you never really feel that full, or opposely, …you feel sick. That hasn’t happened since taking a more natural approach to our meals.

One of our greatest frugal, DIY, from scratch accomplishments has been our homemade pizza, made from scratch.

I know, I’m pretty proud. Not only is it cheap and fairly easy to make, it doesn’t have to disrupt your day, and doesn’t take forever to make. Also, because there’s actually crust, you’ll eat less and still feel full. Sure it isn’t the healthiest meal one could make, but when you want pizza, would you rather eat this or something from the freezer aisle? So how is it done?

Pizza Crust

Ingredients

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 (.25 ounce) package active dry yeast
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (we use 2 tablespoons olive oil instead)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon white sugar (we substitute honey for sugar)
• 1 cup warm water (110 degrees F/45 degrees C)
• Note: We also add some dry spices (you can choose any) to add to the dry mix.

Directions

1. Combine flour, salt, sugar, and yeast in a large bowl. Mix in oil and warm water.
   
2. Let rest for 10  minutes. We usually place it in a container, cover with a towel or plastic wrap and keep it away from moving air. (we usually do this by just placing it in the microwave and shutting the door).
   
3. Spread out on a large pizza pan. Top as desired.
4. Bake at 375 degrees C (190 degrees C) for 20 to 25 minutes.

Our latest experiment was a white sauce pizza with spinach and pineapple that was delish! It was so creamy! Here are some pics:

We let the dough rise while we went to the gym.

We had lots of crust and spread our homemade alfredo sauce on top.

Topped with our ingredients of choice.

and cheese!

Ready for the oven!

Just out of the oven, very warm.

Ready to eat!

Since committing to eating more whole foods and homemade meals, our health, stamina and overall evergy has increased dramatically. Talk about getting the most value for your money!