Garden-fresh pizzas in any season are a treat, but the warm oven dish lends nicely to cold wintry nights. Make up a batch of dough, and try some of my suggested topping combinations – or tell us about your own favorite creations!

The Dough (Makes 2 Pizzas)

3 Cups all-purpose flour (like King Arthur)

1 Tablespoon instant yeast

1 Tablespoon oil (like olive, sunflower, or canola)

1 Cup warm water

1 Teaspoon salt

Mix the ingredients and then knead for 10 minutes. (A stand mixer is helpful for this!) Add water if the dough is too dry and isn’t sticking together; add a little more flour if the dough is too wet and sticky. The dough is done when it is soft and stretchy, and buttery smooth to the touch.

Cover the dough in a lightly oiled bowl and let rise for 1 hour. Then divide the dough in half, shape into balls and roll – or toss – into your desired pizza shape (this recipe makes enough dough for 2 pizzas). Top with your favorite toppings and cook on a pizza stone that is sprinkled with corn meal to keep the pizza from sticking to the stone (parchment paper works, too). Bake at 450* for about 10 minutes, until the toppings are bubbling and the crust is golden.

Winter Topping Suggestions

– Baked squash, caramelized onions, goat cheese, and fresh mozzarella (sausage is good on this one, too!)

– Pesto, fresh mozzarella, and spinach

– Boiled golden potatoes (leave the peel on), chopped kale, goat cheese or ricotta, diced yellow onions, and fresh mozzarella (bacon is so good on this one, too!)

– Left-over roasted vegetables, walnuts, and your favorite cheese