Halloween Spiderweb Pizza Recipe

Directions

1. In a small bowl, mix 1/4 cup warm water with 1 teaspoon sugar. Sprinkle the yeast on top, whisk until dissolved, and let sit until bubbly, about 5-10 minutes.
2. In a large bowl, combine 3 cups flour, 1 teaspoon salt, remaining 1 teaspoon sugar, and optional dried herbs. Make a well, pour in the yeast mixture and 1/3 cup oil. Stir until a shaggy dough forms. If too sticky, add more flour gradually until soft.
3. Turn dough onto a floured surface and knead for 6-8 minutes, adding flour as needed, until smooth and elastic. Place in a greased bowl, turn to coat, cover, and let rise in a warm spot for 30 minutes. Then refrigerate overnight. Before rolling, let dough sit at room temperature for at least 30 minutes.
4. For the sauce: Crush the whole tomatoes in a bowl using your fingers, kitchen scissors, or a stick blender until chunky but not liquid.
5. In a saucepan over medium heat, warm 2 tablespoons olive oil. Add grated onion, oregano, basil, and optional red pepper flakes. Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add pressed garlic and cook 30 seconds more.
6. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, 2 teaspoons sugar, and 1 teaspoon salt. Bring to a bubble, then reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 30 minutes. Taste; if you prefer a stronger tomato flavor, simmer another 15 minutes.
7. Preheat oven to 450°F.
8. If using homemade dough, roll it out on a nonstick baking sheet or pizza pan. If using storebought crust, prepare it on the counter (it will go directly on the oven rack).
9. Spread pizza sauce evenly over the crust, then sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top.
10. Pull string cheese into thin strips. Arrange them on the pizza to form a spiderweb: start with strips along the outer edge, then work inward.
11. Place two whole black olives together on the web for each spider's head and body. Add as many spiders as you like.
12. Slice one black olive in half lengthwise, then cut each half into 4 thin strips (8 total). Arrange these strips around each pair of whole olives to form spider legs. Repeat for all spiders.
13. If using storebought crust, place pizza directly on the oven rack. If using homemade crust, place the baking sheet or pizza pan in the oven.
14. Bake for 15-18 minutes, until the crust is golden brown.
15. If you made mini pizzas, plate individually with other spooky treats. Otherwise, cut the pizza into thin triangle slices to highlight the web design. Serve with salad and breadsticks or other Halloween fare.