Making Picnics a Slice

Springtime has finally arrived and Torontonians are flocking to parks with their wicker baskets (or, fine, eco-chic duffels) in tow.  With such beautiful, sunny weather, eating indoors has been put firmly aside, replaced instead with patio dining and the novelty of eating in our own backyards.

The idea of a picnic is picturesque, complete with the iconic checkered blanket and picnic baskets. While we love the nostalgic throwback of the classic picnic, the contents of those baskets are in serious need of a Lifestyle makeover. Why settle for ziplock-wrapped sandwiches and slaw when you could be enjoying a delicious slice of homemade pizza?

Pizza has been given a bad rap in the health department when, in reality, it can be the health nut’s best friend when garnished appropriately and made with the right ingredients. In addition to this, pizza is easy to eat — it requires no utensils, or even plates, making it a fun alternative to the boring, sensible sandwich.

Making pizza from scratch is surprisingly easy. Try your hand at the healthy recipe below, and don’t forget to try that classic dough toss!

Healthy Whole Wheat Pizza Dough

    1 tbsp yeast (dry)
    2 cups warm water
    4 cups all purpose flour
    1 cup whole wheat flour
    2 tsp salt
    2 tbsp olive oil

1. Sprinkle yeast into warm water and mix. Let set for around 10 minutes.
2. Combine flours and salt.
3. Make a well in the centre of your flour-pile and pour in yeast mixture and olive oil.
4. Knead with your hands (or with the kneading tool on your automatic mixer) until smooth and elastic.
5. Let sit for half an hour in a bowl, covered with a dry towel.
6. Place on an oiled pan and dress with your favourite toppings and store-bought pizza sauce.
7. Bake for 20 minutes at 425 F, until cheese is melted and bubbling.

At a loss in the garnish department? While we all have our favourite garnishes, the idea of the perfect picnic lunch is to minimize mess and maximize flavour. Lifestyle  therefore suggests that you try a sauceless pizza. Not only will this cut down on the spill factor — essential as we’re all enjoying our white skirts and blouses — it will really allow the effort you put into the delicious homemade dough to shine through.

To make a sauceless pizza, follow the above recipe for dough, but garnish with fresh basil, tomatoes and mozzarella. For a richer pizza, try the sharper Fontina cheese with olives and pine nuts. Rosemary and brie is another option that makes for an upscale pie your friends will rave over.

Pizza is as versatile as that picnic staple the sandwich. Best of all, it needs no side dish for accompaniment, and if made without sauce, is virtually mess-free. Pack your baskets with this Italian treat for a delicious change to your first summer lunch outdoors. •

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