Cornucopia Project

With all the snow and cold weather we've had this winter, I don't know about you, but over here at Cornucopia Project, we are more than ready for some spring greenery. This spring pizza with homemade dough brings a little of that fresh, green energy into the kitchen, even when there's still snow on the ground.Tested (and enthusiastically approved!) by hundreds of students, this quick pizza dough paired with light but flavorful toppings has become a favorite in our programs. It's simple, satisfying, and perfect for young cooks building confidence in the kitchen.This recipe is featured in our Youth Cooking Kit, which is currently available for purchase on our website. Each kit includes the ingredients and guidance to make this Florentine-style pizza at home, plus a few extra surprises — including a crunchy cannoli for dessert. Scan the QR code or visit our website to learn more and order your kit!This spring pizza is Florentine style, meaning "in the style of Florence," a historic city in Italy. Dishes labeled Florentine traditionally include spinach and cheese cooked together until soft, melted, and sometimes lightly browned. On pizza, fresh spinach adds an earthy flavor, while cheese brings creaminess and a touch of saltiness that ties everything together. Even in Italy, seeing "Florentine" on a menu usually means you can expect spinach and cheesy goodness — and this pizza delivers just that. Quick Pizza DoughMakes 2 personal pizzasIngredients1 packet dry yeast (or 2¼ teaspoons)1¼ cups lukewarm water¼ cup olive oil3 cups flour (plus extra for kneading)1 teaspoon saltInstructions1. In a large mixing bowl, dissolve the yeast in lukewarm water. Stir gently to combine. Add the olive oil and salt.2. Slowly add the flour to the yeast mixture, about ½ cup at a time, stirring continuously. Keep mixing until a tacky dough ball forms.3. Lightly flour your work surface. Knead the dough until it becomes smooth and elastic. If your hands get sticky, dust them lightly with flour. Be careful not to over-knead, or the dough may become tough.4. Place the dough back in the bowl, cover, and let rise for 10 minutes.5. Roll out the dough, add toppings, and bake until the crust is golden and the cheese is melted.Now that your dough is ready, it's time to add some spring goodness. Top your pizza with chopped spinach, pesto, dollops of ricotta, and low-moisture mozzarella cheese. A tip we learned from a pizza chef: add the shredded mozzarella last to "lock everything in." If spinach sits on top, it can become overly crispy or burn before the pizza finishes cooking. Topping IdeasChopped spinachRicotta cheesePestoLow-moisture mozzarella cheese