Mastering the Art of Homemade Pizza: Recipes and Tips

Doug Stockman • June 7, 2024
Pizza is more than just a meal—it's an experience. Whether you're a seasoned home chef or a beginner in the kitchen, crafting your own pizza can be incredibly rewarding. Today, we'll explore three delicious pizza recipes that cater to different tastes and skill levels. So, grab your apron and let's dive into the world of homemade pizza!

Neapolitan Margherita Pizza

Level: Intermediate
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: One 10-inch pizza; serves 2 to 4

Ingredients:
  • One 28-ounce can whole peeled tomatoes, preferably San Marzano, drained
  • Sea salt
  • "00" or all-purpose flour, for forming and cooking
  • 9 ounces pizza dough, at room temperature (store-bought or homemade)
  • 2 ounces fresh mozzarella, torn into strips
  • 2 large fresh basil leaves
Directions:
  1. Preheat Your Oven: Place a pizza stone on the lower rack, remove the other racks, and preheat the oven to 500°F.
  2. Prepare the Tomato Sauce: Grind the tomatoes using a food mill or pulse in a food processor until coarsely pureed. Season with sea salt and set aside.
  3. Form the Dough: Lightly dust a work surface with flour. Flatten the dough using your fingertips, flipping and pressing until it stretches into a 10-inch circle.
  4. Assemble the Pizza: Spread about 1/4 cup of the tomato sauce over the dough, leaving a 1/2-inch border. Scatter the mozzarella strips and tear the basil leaves over the top.
  5. Transfer to the Oven: Lightly flour a pizza peel, then slide the pizza onto the peel. Transfer the pizza onto the hot stone and bake until the crust is charred and the cheese is bubbly, about 8 to 10 minutes.
  6. Serve: Remove the pizza with the peel, slice, and serve immediately.
Stuffed Pizza Crust

Level: Easy
Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Yield: 6 servings

Ingredients:
  • One 1-pound loaf store-bought frozen bread dough, thawed and risen
  • All-purpose flour, for dusting
  • 2 teaspoons olive oil
  • Large pinch of kosher salt
  • Arrabbiata Sauce (recipe follows), cooled
  • 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan
  • 1/4 cup shredded mozzarella
  • 14 slices pepperoni, chopped
  • 10 pieces string cheese, each cut in half
  • 1 egg, whisked with 1 teaspoon water
  • 4 Roma tomatoes, sliced
  • Fresh basil leaves
Directions:
  1. Preheat the Oven: To 475°F.
  2. Prepare the Dough: Roll and stretch the dough into a 31-inch rope, then flatten it into a 3-inch wide rectangle. Brush with olive oil and sprinkle with salt.
  3. Add Fillings: Spread a thin layer of Arrabbiata Sauce, then sprinkle with Parmesan, mozzarella, and pepperoni. Arrange string cheese pieces in a double line.
  4. Form the Crust: Fold the dough over the cheese and pinch the edges together to seal. Shape into a circle and place seam-side down on an oiled baking sheet.
  5. Bake the Pizza: Brush the surface with egg wash and bake until golden brown, about 15 minutes. Let rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
  6. Garnish: Arrange tomato slices and basil leaves in the center and serve with remaining Arrabbiata Sauce for dipping.
Arrabbiata Sauce:
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon crushed red pepper flakes
  • 1 small onion, chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup white wine
  • Two 15-ounce cans crushed tomatoes
  • 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
  • Pinch of sugar
  • Kosher salt
Cook the Sauce: Heat oil in a pan over medium-high heat, add red pepper flakes and onions, cook until softened. Add garlic and cook briefly. Deglaze with white wine, reduce by half, then add tomatoes, Italian seasoning, sugar, and salt. Simmer for 30 minutes.

Barbecue Chicken Pan Pizza

Level: Easy
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 2 to 4 servings

Ingredients:
  • 1 rotisserie chicken
  • EVOO or vegetable oil
  • 1 red onion
  • 3 to 4 cloves garlic
  • Salt and pepper
  • 1/2 cup chicken stock
  • 1 cup ketchup
  • 1/4 cup light brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup molasses
  • 1/4 cup cider vinegar
  • 1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tablespoon smoked sweet paprika
  • 1 tablespoon ground mustard
  • 1 pound pizza dough
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 2 tablespoons hot sauce
  • Cilantro leaves
  • Sliced scallions
  • Sliced fresh jalapeno peppers
Directions:
  1. Preheat the Oven: To 525-550°F.
  2. Prepare the Chicken: Remove skin and bones, shred the meat.
  3. Cook the Sauce: Heat oil in a skillet, add onions and garlic, season with salt and pepper. Add stock, ketchup, sugar, molasses, vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, paprika, and mustard. Add chicken, coat in sauce, then remove from heat.
  4. Prepare the Dough: Roll and stretch the dough to fit a preheated 12-inch cast-iron skillet. Sprinkle with cornmeal, press dough into the skillet, brush with oil, and season.
  5. Assemble the Pizza: Top with chicken and sauce, then cheeses. Bake until golden and bubbly, about 10-12 minutes.
  6. Garnish: Drizzle with hot sauce, and top with cilantro, scallions, and jalapenos.
Homemade pizza is not only delicious but also a fantastic way to bring family and friends together. Whether you're creating a classic Margherita, a stuffed crust delight, or a BBQ chicken masterpiece, these recipes will guide you to pizza perfection. Enjoy the process and the mouthwatering results!

For more delicious pizza recipes, check out Food Network's Top Pizza Recipes.
Save on car insurance

My Insurance Agent Saved Me $137,387

By Doug Stockman • April 15, 2025
TL;DR: Article Take Away - Don't just get the cheapest car insurance! A client who chose higher liability limits paid a little more monthly but avoided a $137,387 bill after causing a big accident. Investing in good coverage protects you financially when things go wrong. Talk to your agent about your options! Dodging a Huge Bill: How My Clie nt Became a Liability Limit Hero (and You Can Too!) Hey everyone, sit down, grab your drink, and let me tell you a cool story. It's about how one of my clients made a really smart choice with his car insurance and avoided a huge money problem! It all came down to something called good liability limits compared to state minimum limits. Now, I know what you might be thinking. "Insurance? Yawn! Just give me the cheapest one so I can watch more funny cat videos." And I get it! We all love a good deal, and saving money feels great. But when it comes to car insurance, skimping on coverage is like playing Russian Roulette with your bank account and other assets. If you don't have a high enough limit, you could end up paying out of pocket for damage you caused to someone else. Just because you have insurance doesn't release you for being responsible for ALL the damages. Investing in the right coverage is one of the smartest things you can do for your peace of mind and your wallet. Let me tell you about a guy we'll call Marcus. Marcus was looking for car insurance and, like many of us, he was hoping for the lowest price each month. He was looking at a plan that cost less than a cheap hotdog (and wouldn't have offered much protection at all!). Now, having the right agent can make all the difference in the world. I knew Marcus could be better protected. So, I didn't just give him the cheapest thing and say "bye-bye." We talked a bit. We had a friendly "let's-think-ahead" chat. I explained that while a low monthly cost might seem great at first, the amount his insurance would pay if he caused an accident was really low. It might not even cover a small crash. It's all about having enough protection for those unexpected moments. Have you bought a car recently? Have you noticed skyrocketing repairs and medical costs? "But I'm a good driver!" Marcus said, like a lot of people do. And maybe Marcus is a super good driver – that's fantastic! But you know what they say: stuff happens! Sometimes, even the best drivers can be in a situation where someone else makes a mistake, like texting and driving a large vehicle when you're nearby. So, I showed Marcus different choices. We talked about how much his insurance would pay if he accidentally hurt someone or damaged their stuff. I really encouraged him to get more coverage. Not because I want to buy a lot of avocado toast (even though I do!), but because it's the smart and safe thing to do with your money. Think of it as investing in your future security. It's like wearing a helmet when you ride a bike on a rope over hungry crocodiles – a little extra protection can make a huge difference! Marcus was smart and thoughtful. He listened to what I said and realized the value of having better coverage. He decided to pay a little more each month to get much better protection (and it wasn't that much more). This was a really positive step for him! A few months later, guess what? Something bad happened. Not a monster truck, thankfully, but a pretty big car crash with a lot of cars. Marcus was responsible for paying for some of the damage to other cars and some people getting hurt. This is where Marcus' wise decision really paid off. Now for the exciting part! The first guesses for how much all the damage and doctor bills would cost were HUGE. Like, "make a lottery winner nervous" huge. It was a really serious situation. But because Marcus had listened and bought the higher limit insurance, his insurance company paid for almost all of it! What a relief! How much money did Marcus almost have to pay out of his own pocket if he had bought the cheap state minimum or other low liability insurance? A whopping $137,387. That's a life-changing amount of money! Think about that! One hundred and thirty-seven thousand, three hundred and eighty-seven dollars! That could be a down payment on a small castle, a lifetime of fancy coffee, or just really cause a lot of financial stress. And the extra insurance only cost less than $30/mo. Instead, Marcus just had to deal with the insurance claim (which was still a bit annoying, but not a disaster). He didn't have to sell his house, create a GoFundMe account, ask for the church offering plate to be passed, or spend years paying off bills. He was protected! So, the point of this story is: accidents are no fun, and we all hope they never happen. But being prepared with the right insurance can make a huge difference in how you handle those unexpected moments. The limits on your policy is all it is going to pay. If the damages are more, it has to come from somewhere. Choosing the right coverage isn't about spending more, it's about making a smart investment in your future security. Car insurance isn't just something you have to get. It's something that really protects your future money and gives you peace of mind. Those limits on how much your insurance will pay? They're like your shield against bad things happening on the road. Having good liability limits is like having a strong safety net. So, do yourself a favor. Don't just look at the price each month. Talk to your friendly, independent insurance agent at Select Source Insurance. We're here to help you understand your options and make the best choice for you. Understand how much protection you're getting. Think about what could go wrong. And please, make a wise choice now so you don't face a big financial worry later. You might not end up saving exactly $137,387, but knowing you're covered well? That feeling of security is truly priceless. Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm suddenly really hungry for avocado toast. It's just part of the job!

Why is Car Insurance so Expensive?

By Doug Stockman • April 9, 2025
tl;dr Why Car Insurance is Pricey: Expensive Accidents: Repairs, medical bills, and lost wages drive up claim costs. Rising Healthcare Costs: Increased medical fees directly impact insurance payouts. Distracted Driving: More accidents due to distractions mean more claims and higher premiums. Costly Car Repairs: Modern, complex vehicles are pricier to fix. Factors Affecting Your Rate: Driving record, age, vehicle type, and location all play a role. Why is Car Insurance So Expensive? Car insurance is expensive. There's no getting around it. But why does it cost so much? The High Cost of Accidents One of the main reasons car insurance is so expensive is because accidents have become more expensive. When you get into an accident, there are a lot of costs involved. There's the cost of repairing your car has risen, the cost of medical care for you, any passengers, the other party and the cost of lost wages if they can't work. Insurance companies have to pay for all of these costs, which is why they charge high premiums. South Carolina is trending towards having higher rates. Let's do our part by driving safe to help reduce our costs. The Rising Cost of Healthcare The cost of healthcare is also on the rise, which is another reason why car insurance is so expensive. When you get into an accident, you or the other party may need to go to the hospital or see a doctor. The cost of these services is only going to continue to rise, which means that insurance companies will have to charge more for their policies. The Increasing Number of Distracted Drivers Distracted driving is a major problem, and it's only getting worse. When people are distracted while driving, they're more likely to get into an accident. This means that insurance companies have to pay out more claims, which drives up the cost of car insurance. Follow Us on Facebook The Increasing Cost of Car Repairs Cars are becoming more and more complex and not to mention safety technology, which means that they're also becoming more expensive to repair. This is another reason why car insurance is so expensive. There are delays in South Carolina body shops and supply chain disruptions. When you get into an accident, it can cost a lot of money to fix your car. How to Keep Your Car Insurance Costs Down There are a few things you can do to keep your car insurance costs down here in the upstate. One is to shop around for the best rates. At Select Source Insurance we do the shopping for you. You can also get discounts for things like good grades, safe driving, and having multiple policies with the same company and many others. The Bottom Line Car insurance is expensive, but there are a few things you can do to keep your costs down. Shop around for the best rates, get discounts, and drive safely. A Few More Things to Keep in Mind Your driving record: If you have a clean driving record, you're likely to get a lower rate on your car insurance. Check your record for claims and tickets to make sure you are not being charged for errors. Your age: Younger drivers typically pay more for car insurance than older drivers. Your car: The type of car you drive can also affect your car insurance rates. Sports cars and luxury cars are usually more expensive to insure than other cars. One myth is if you have a red car your rates will be higher. This is false. Your location: Where you live can also affect your car insurance rates. If you live in a big city like Spartanburg, you're likely to pay more than if you live in a small surrounding town like Lyman or Inman. In Conclusion Car insurance is a necessary evil, but it doesn't have to break the bank. By shopping around for the best rates, getting discounts, and driving safely, you can keep your costs down. I hope this blog article has been helpful. If you have any questions, please feel free to leave a comment below or reach out to us at 864-585-8318. If you would like to submit your basic information to our private local website, we will quote your rates with the most competitive companies available. We do not sell your information, it is completely secure. Get a Quote Here Additional Tips: Get quotes from multiple insurance companies. At Select Source we do that for you. Ask about discounts for things like good grades, safe driving, and having multiple policies with the same company. Drive safely. Maintain a clean driving record. Consider getting a higher deductible. Take a defensive driving course. Use a rideshare service or public transportation when you've been drinking. Will Car Insurance Rates Go Down Who has the Cheapest Car Insurance Maximize Your Groove With Discounts South Carolina DMV
tailgating

3 Seconds: The Time It Takes to Realize You've Ruined Your Day

By Doug Stockman • April 9, 2025
TL;DR: The 3-Second Rule: Why It's Not Just a Suggestion (And Why You're Not Vin Diesel). Three seconds is NOT an eternity: It's the buffer you need to avoid turning your car into a metal pancake. "Pro" drivers are delusional: Physics doesn't care about your ego; it cares about stopping distances. It's simple: Pick a point, count "one Mississippi, two Mississippi, three Mississippi." If you pass it too soon, back off. Those seconds give you time to process, react, and let your car do its thing. Chill out, count, and avoid awkward insurance conversations. Driving isn't a race, it's a shared journey to avoid metal-on-metal crime. Three Seconds: The Eternity Between "Oops" and "OH NO." Alright, buckle up buttercups, because we're diving headfirst into the thrilling world of the three-second following distance. Yes, that glorious, often-ignored rule that separates us from a symphony of crumpled metal and insurance adjusters. Let's be honest, three seconds on the road feels like an eternity. Especially when you're stuck behind someone who seems to be navigating too delicately. You're thinking, "Come on, buddy, I could knit a sweater in three seconds!" But, alas, the highway safety supreme being (and your insurance premium) demand we adhere to this seemingly endless time gap. Both following too closely and texting while driving has added to the number of accidents in South Carolina in recent years. Ten Safety Tips for Driving in the Rain The "But I'm a Pro!" Delusion We've all been there. You're a driving ninja. You can parallel park in a space the size of a postage stamp. You know the exact moment to hit the gas to catch that elusive green light. You're basically Vin Diesel, but with a slightly less impressive car and a significantly less impressive physique. So, three seconds? Pfft. Amateur hour. And really, does arriving at your destination 3 seconds later matter? Avoiding the nightmare of claims is definitely worth it. Don't become a South Carolina accident statistic. "I can react in a nanosecond!" you declare, as you tailgate a semi-truck during a monsoon. "Three seconds is for people who can't tell the difference between a brake light and a Christmas tree." Spoiler alert: You're wrong. And you're about to learn a valuable lesson in the physics of large, metal objects, sudden stops and metal accordions. The Reality Check: Physics Doesn't Care About Your Driving Ego. Here's the thing: even if your reflexes are lightning-fast, your car isn't. It needs time to respond. And those three seconds? They're not just some arbitrary number a bored traffic engineer pulled out of thin air. They're a buffer. A safety net. A "Hey, maybe don't turn your car into a metal accordion" zone. The 3 second rule works for every speed whether you are traveling at 15 mph or 60 mph. Imagine this: the car in front slams on their brakes. Why? Who knows? Maybe a squirrel decided to audition for "American Ninja Warrior" by crossing the highway. Maybe they saw a particularly enticing roadside taco stand. Whatever the reason, they've stopped. Now, you have three seconds (or less, if you're a "pro") to react. Those three seconds give you: Time to process: "Wait, are those brake lights? Are they serious?" Time to react: "Okay, foot, move to the brake pedal! Now!" How much time does that take? I tried to calculate the time and it is slow. Time for your car to react: "Engaging anti-lock brakes! Please hold while I calculate the optimal stopping distance." Without those precious seconds, you're just a passenger in a metal projectile, headed for a very expensive collision. The Actual Technique (Because, You Know, Safety) For those of you who haven't memorized the driver's manual (and let's be honest, who has? I definitely have not.), here's the lowdown on the three-second rule: Pick a stationary object: A sign, a pole, a particularly grumpy-looking squirrel. When the car in front passes it, start counting: "One Mississippi, two Mississippi, three Mississippi." I slow this count also. If you pass the object before you finish counting, you're too close. Back off, buddy. Back. Off. The Moral of the Story: Chill Out and Count. Follow Us on Facebook Driving isn't a race. It's a delicate dance of metal, momentum, and the shared desire to get to our destinations without becoming a viral road rage video. So, take a deep breath, relax, and give yourself (and everyone else) a little space. Have you ever seen a stop light change to green and the car in front of you races to the next light. You can see clearly that the next light ahead just changed to red. Why are we racing to get to it? Also, if you are following too closely, and can't see what's in front of the car in front of you, be prepared for an accident. If the car in front stops suddenly or moves to another lane to avoid the stopped car in front of it, you won't have enough time to react and hit the stopped car. Several years ago, this happened to me. The 3 second rule works. Those three seconds might feel like an eternity, but they're the difference between a smooth ride and a very awkward conversation with your insurance agent. And trust me, nobody wants that. And besides that, it is less wear and tear on your car. Following to close, means using your brakes more often. I don't know if you have paid for a brake repair job lately, but it is not cheap. Can Car Insurance Drop You? What Does Car Insurance NOT Cover ? Top Ten Car Insurance Terms You Need to Know