PIZZA SAUCE:

1. In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add onion, carrot, garlic, and seasonings, and sauté until tender, about 5-7 minutes. Add whole tomatoes and begin to break up with a wooden spoon. Season with salt, pepper, to taste, and if you’re adding the splash of wine, add it now. Let tomato sauce come to a boil, cover and reduce heat to simmer. The flavor takes time to develop, so let it cook on low for 20-25 minutes. Sauce should have reduced by now. Depending on your tomatoes, a little honey may be needed if sauce hasn’t sweetened up. Taste and adjust seasonings, as needed. Remove from heat and let cool.

PIZZA DOUGH:

1. *QUICK TIP: When measuring flours, never pack flour into the measuring cups, which results in too much flour added to the recipe and dry, tough baked goods. Instead, pour or scoop flour into the cup and level the top off with the back of a knife.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine flours, xanthan gum, and salt. In a small saucepan, heat milk/water, honey, and oil until mixture is very warm, between 105-115 degrees F. Stir yeast into warm milk and then pour mixture into the flour, slowly, while mixing. Add eggs, and continue to mix for 2-3 minutes, until dough is smooth and thoroughly combined.
3. This dough makes two smaller or 1 large pizza. The size will upon how thin or thick you roll the dough. I prefer a thicker crust, so I spread it into a 1/2-inch circle and roll up the edges to make a rim around the pizza. The dough will be sticky, but should still hold together when pressed. I prefer to use oiled hands rather than more flour to work with the dough. However, if dough is too sticky (won’t hold its shape) you can use a little extra rice flour to form a soft dough. Be careful not to add too much extra or the dough will be tough.
4. With well oiled hands, spread dough onto a greased or parchment paper lined pizza pan or jelly roll pan. Cover dough with a clean kitchen towel and place into a warm, draft-free area to rise. Let rise for 20-30 minutes, until almost doubled in size.

PUTTING IT TOGETHER:

1. Preheat oven to 450F. Uncover dough and top with pizza sauce, a few torn basil leaves, and fresh mozzarella. Bake in oven for 15-18 minutes, just until cheese is melted, bubbly, and crust is golden brown. It may take more or less time depending on your oven and how thin/thick your crust is. Keep an eye on it after 10 minutes and take it out when the crust is lightly brown and the cheese is bubbly.
2. Remove from the oven and top with more fresh basil leaves. You can also add a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil before cutting into slices. Serves 2-4 people.