$7 Vs. $1700 Pizza

$7 Pizza

1. In a large bowl whisk together the flour, sugar and salt until combined.
2. Add water to a heat proof container and microwave to 95℉ (35 ℃). Whisk in the yeast until dissolved.
3. Add the yeast mixture to the flour and mix together by hand until a rough dough forms. Knead the dough in the bowl for about 5 minutes or until smooth.
4. Transfer the dough to a greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap and let rise for 2 hours at room temperature or overnight in the refrigerator.
5. Punch the air out of the dough and divide into 6 pieces, about 300 grams each.
6. Form the dough pieces into balls and place on a greased sheet pan. Cover with plastic wrap and let rise for an additional 2-3 hours.

Sauce:

1. In a small saucepan over medium heat add the olive oil and butter.
2. When the butter just melts add in the garlic and salt to taste. Cook the garlic for about 1 minute or until fragrant. Stir in the red pepper flakes and toast for another minute or so.
3. Pour in the crushed tomatoes. Add a splash of water to the can, swirl it to clean the can of any leftover tomato and add that into the saucepan. 
4. Stir in the oregano, thyme, sugar and more salt to taste. Bring the mixture to a simmer, reduce the heat to low, and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the sauce reduces and thickens. The sauce is thick enough when you can run your spatula through the sauce and you see a trail left behind. Remove from heat and set aside.

To Assemble and Cook:

1. About 30 minutes before your dough is finished with its second rise, add a pizza stone to the lower third of your oven and preheat to the hottest temperature your oven will go to, ideally between 475-500℉ (246-260℃).
2. Lightly dust a clean work surface with flour and lay out one of the pieces of dough. Punch down the center and then lightly press all around to create a thin perimeter for the crust. Drape the dough over your closed fists and work the dough around the entire perimeter of itself to stretch it out to about a 12-13” round.
3. Place on a lightly dusted pizza peel or cutting board and add a couple Tbsp of sauce to the center of the dough. Use the bottom of a ladle or spoon to work the sauce out towards the edges of the dough in an even layer. Top with mozzarella and Monterey jack cheese.
4. Slide the pizza onto the hot stone and cook for 6-8 minutes or until the dough is golden brown around the crust and on the bottom, the cheese is melted and bubbling. 
5. Remove the pizza to a cutting board and let rest a few minutes before slicing and serving. Repeat with the remaining pizza doughs and ingredients.

$1700 Pizza

Italian Pizza Dough:

1. In a large bowl whisk together the flour and salt until combined.
2. Add water to a heat proof container and microwave to 95℉ (35℃). Whisk in the yeast until dissolved.
3. Add the yeast mixture to the flour and mix together by hand until a rough dough forms. Knead the dough in the bowl for about 5 minutes or until smooth.
4. Transfer the dough to a clean, greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap and let rise overnight in the refrigerator.
5. Punch the air out of the dough and divide into 6 pieces, about 250 grams each.
6. Form the dough pieces into balls and place on a greased sheet pan. Cover with plastic wrap and let rise for an additional 2 - 3 hours.

Vinegar Glaze:

1. In a medium sauté over medium high heat add all the ingredients and stir to combine. Bring to a boil, stirring often to dissolve the sugar. Once at a boil, reduce the sauce for 5-8 minutes or until reduced by half and the top of the mixture is covered in bubbles.
2. Remove from heat and allow to cool, the reduction will continue to thicken as it cools.

Sauce:

1. In a medium saucepan over medium high heat add the crushed tomatoes. Bring to a boil and then continue to cook for 5 minutes to reduce the sauce.
2. Turn a flame to high on your stovetop and add the bell peppers directly over the flame, cook, turning occasionally, or until the peppers are completely charred on all sides. Remove to a bowl, cover with plastic wrap and let steam for 5 minutes. Remove the skins from the peppers by wiping away the char with a paper towel and then remove the stems and seeds.
3. In a blender, add the roasted peppers, reduced crushed tomatoes, garlic, almonds, vinegar and spices. Blend until smooth. With the motor running, slowly stream in the olive oil until the sauce is emulsified and creamy.
4. Pour the sauce into a bowl and season with salt to taste. Set aside.

To Assemble and Cook:

1. Place a piece of the jamón in a section of the gold leaf sheet and fold the sheet over to completely cover it in gold. Repeat with the remaining jamón and gold leaf.
2. In a small bowl combine the hearts of palm with olive oil, lemon juice and salt to taste. Set aside.
3. About 30 minutes before your dough is finished with its second rise, heat a pizza oven to 700℉ (371℃). If using a home oven, add a pizza stone to the lower third of your oven and preheat to the hottest temperature your oven will go to, ideally between 475-500℉ (246-260℃).
4. Lightly dust a clean work surface with flour and lay out one of the pieces of dough. Punch down the center and then lightly press all around to create a thin perimeter for the crust. Drape the dough over your closed fists and work the dough around the entire perimeter of itself to stretch it out to about a 12-13” round.
5. Place on a lightly dusted pizza peel or cutting board and add a couple Tbsp of sauce to the center of the dough. Use the bottom of a ladle or spoon to work the sauce out towards the edges of the dough in an even layer.
6. Top the sauce with a generous amount of cheese.
7. Slide the dough into the pizza oven and cook for 25-30 seconds. Rotate the pizza and cook for another 25-30 seconds or until the crust is puffed and slightly charred, the bottom is golden brown and the cheese is melted. If cooking in a home oven, cook for 6-8 minutes for similar results.
8. Top the pizza with freshly grated parmesan, a drizzle of the vinegar glaze, marinated hearts of palm slices, torn basil leaves, slices of black truffle, small spoonfuls of caviar and about 4-5 pieces of jamón wrapped in gold leaf. Serve immediately
9. Repeat with the remaining pizza doughs and ingredients.