Vegan Pizza Faces

Vegan pizzas are always a hit in my household.  You'd be surprised at how little you miss the "real" stuff with all of the great vegan alternatives out there.  We made a healthy whole wheat crust (great for kids to help knead and shape the dough!), used Daiya vegan cheese which melts fabulously, and an assortment of whatever veggies I had on hand to make the faces.  (Spinach, basil, peppers, olives, & sundried tomatoes.)

Of course, if you're short on time, you can always find healthy whole wheat pre-made crusts as well.  Zucchini, tomato slices, artichokes or mushrooms would be a great addition too!

Vegan pizzas are also great with sausage crumbles, homemade pesto sauce instead of tomato sauce, or whatever else you fancy!

Homemade Whole Wheat Pizza Dough

(makes 8 servings or so- one large pizza or 3 mini ones)

2 C. whole wheat flour

1 package active dry yeast

3/4 tsp. salt

1 C. hot water

1 Tb. vegetable oil

1 Tb. sugar 

Preheat oven 425F

In large bowl, combine flour, yeast & salt.  Add water, oil and sugar.  Stir together well until all ingredients are well-mixed.  

Cover with kitchen towel and place in warm oven or on counter until it rises, about 45 minutes. 

You can pre-bake the crust at this point after pressing the dough into a well greased pan, or add the toppings now and bake.  (Pre-baking for 3-4 minutes creates a crispier crust)

Bake about 12-15 minutes, until toppings bubble.