Poker Night Pizza

Just in time for the weekend…

Not quite sure what makes this particular pizza perfect for poker night, but if Mr. Food says so…I\’ll take him at his word. And frankly, it sounds good for any old night, with or without the poker. (And to anyone hosting a home game in the L.A. area who cooks like this for your players, please invite a sista over.)

1 pound store-bought fresh or frozen dough, thawed if frozen
8 ounces hot Italian sausage, casings removed
1 medium-sized green bell pepper, cut into 1/4-inch strips
5 ounces fresh mushrooms, sliced (about 2 cups)
1 teaspoon dried basil
3/4 cup pizza or spaghetti sauce
1 (4-ounce) cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1. Preheat oven to 450°F. Coat a 12-inch deep-dish pizza pan with nonstick cooking spray.
2. In a large skillet, cook and stir sausage over medium-low heat until no pink remains. Stir in pepper, mushrooms, and basil; reduce heat to low. Cook 5 to 6 minutes, until vegetables are just tender, then drain excess liquid.
3. Using your fingertips or the heel of your hand, spread dough so it covers bottom of pan and dough comes three-quarters of the way up the sides. Cover and let rise 10 minutes.
4. Spread sauce evenly over crust and top with sausage mixture then mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses.
5. Bake 20 to 25 minutes, or until crust is crisp and brown. Cut and serve.

NOTE: You can make a milder version of this by using mild sausage. Use a sausage that\’s got the degree of spiciness your gang enjoys.