Celebrating Italy; with Benny the Chef!’s, Benedetto D’Epiro

“Benedetto D’Epiro, better known as “Benny the Chef”, Master of Ars Convivalis (the art of the Ancient Roman Cuisine) and Renaissance Style (the art of cooking with chocolate and spices), is an Italian chef, culinary teacher,cookbook author, awards winner and entertainer.” We are honored that Benny the Chef! has shared his recipe for authentic Italian Pizza with us.  In the photographs Benny the Chef! is baking his delicious creation in his Roman Wood Fired Oven.  The recipe he has shared with us, is for the kitchen.

Benny the Chef!’s Authentic Italian Pizza

Ingredients

• 2 lbs of flour, “00” or pizza/bread
• 20 fl oz of warm water
• 1 3/4 oz of yeast
• Salt
• Tomato sauce
• Mozzarella
• • Fresh Basil

Preparation:

1. Put 1 lb of flour on a table and make a well. In a small glass bowl put 10 fl oz of warm water, the yeast, and let it dissolve completely. Add it to the well and start to mix. Knead until the dough is smooth and elastic. Make a ball, cover with a towel, and place the dough in the refrigerator. Let it rest for 3 hours.

2. 

   Now put the rest of the flour on a table and make another well. In another small glass bowl. put the other 10 fl oz of warm water, add 5 teaspoons of salt, and let it dissolve completely. Add it to the well and start mixing. Knead until the dough is smooth and elastic.

3. Flatten the salty dough a little bit. Place the yeasty dough on it, and mix together. Knead until you get a homogeneous and very elastic dough. Make 4 balls, cover with a towel, and let them rest for 6-9 hours. The dough has to rise far from air-conditioning and heaters. The perfect temperature is between 74F and 78F.

4. 

   Now roll the dough and make your pizza!

5. Top with tomato sauce, mozzarella, and fresh basil. Place it in the oven at 450F and cook for about 10 minutes. If you like a less crispy pizza, place it in the oven at 375F and cook for 15-20 minutes.

You can follow Benny the Chef! Facebook and Twitter to keep updated on recipes and happenings.

Learn more about our favorite Italian Chef, browse galleries of fantastic photographs and keep updated on all news and events on his site; www.Bennythechef.com

I fell in love with cooking as a child, when I would help my mother while she was cooking. Attempting to prepare pastries, tarts, and cakes, I enjoyed kneading dough and dirtying myself with flour.

Are you hungry for more authentic Italian recipes?  Benny the Chef! has a delicious cookbook “The Art of Cooking According to Me” available through his site and on Amazon.