Ingredients

• 1/2  package active dry yeast (1 teaspoon)
• 1/4  cup warm water (110 degree F to 115 degree F)
• 2  cups all-purpose flour
• 1  tablespoon baking powder
• 1/4  teaspoon salt
• 1/4  cup warm water (110 degree F to 115 degree F)
• 1/4  cup shortening
• 1  teaspoon sugar
• 1/2  cup tomato sauce
• 2  tablespoons finely chopped onion
• 3  cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2  teaspoon dried oregano, crushed
• 1/2  teaspoon dried basil, crushed
•   Dash black pepper
• 1/4  cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 3  cups cut-up vegetables (sliced zucchini, chopped or thinly sliced onion, chopped green and red sweet peppers, and/or small broccoli flowerets)
• 3/4  cup shredded mozzarella cheese (3 ounces)
• 1  tomato, chopped*
• 3/4  cup shredded cheddar cheese (3 ounces)

Directions

1. For dough, in a large bowl, soften yeast in 1/4 cup warm water. In another bowl, stir together the flour, baking powder, and salt.

2. Stir 1/4 cup warm water, the shortening and sugar into the softened yeast. Add the flour mixture, stirring to combine. Form into a ball.

3. On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough into a 12-inch circle. Fit into a 12-inch pizza pan. Build up edges slightly.** Bake crust in a 375 degree F oven for 9 minutes.

4. For sauce, stir together the tomato sauce, finely chopped onion, garlic, oregano, basil, and black pepper.

5. Spread sauce on prebaked crust. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese. Arrange vegetables over sauce. Sprinkle with mozzarella and cheddar cheeses.

6. Bake in the 375 degree F oven about 20 minutes or until vegetables are hot and cheeses are melted. Remove from oven; sprinkle with chopped tomato. Makes 4 servings.

*Note: If you like, slice the tomato and arrange it with other fresh vegetables on the crust instead of chopping the tomato and sprinkling it over the pizza.

**Note: If you like, snip the edge of the pizza crust with kitchen scissors for a decorative edge.