On July 3 a full Buck Moon will rise, reaching peak illumination at 7:39 am MST. The Buck Moon is a significant event because it marks the midpoint of summer. The name "Buck Moon" was coined by the Native American Algonquin people & was given to this full moon because it coincides with the time of year when male deer, or bucks, begin pushing out new antlers covered in velvety fur. These new antlers symbolize strength & growth, which is why the Buck Moon is often associated with renewal & rejuvenation.

Recipe | Easy Peasy Pizza

What's round like the moon and really yummy? Pizza of course! Homemade pizza is sooo satisfying, and it doesn't have to be difficult. The best part is that making food with your hands is wonderfully grounding.

Ingredients

• 1 pkg active dry yeast
• 1 cup warm water
• 1 tsp sugar
• 2 1/2 cups flour
• 1 Tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp salt

Toppings

• jar of marinara sauce
• fresh or shredded mozzarella
• fresh basil
• olives, veggies, meat of your choice

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 425 F. Lightly oil a baking pan.
2. In a bowl, add yeast, sugar & warm water. Let sit to allow yeast to bloom & bubble up to the top, about 10 minutes. Then add oil & half the flour. By hand or with a mixer & dough hook, mix well. Then add salt & the rest of the flour until it pulls together.
3. Tip out onto a floured counter & knead dough until smooth, about 2 minutes. Let dough sit 10 minutes to rest while you gather your toppings.
4. On a floured counter, roll or pat dough out into a circle which will fit your pan & transfer it there. Cover the dough with sauce and toppings. Bake 20-30 minutes depending on how thin you made the circle & how generous you were with your toppings. Look for a golden crust & bubbly cheese.

Yummy Variations

Try just olive oil instead of marinara, with some garlic & extra cheese. Use a jar of Alfredo sauce instead of marinara. Try sliced pears & gorgonzola cheese. Use a variety of olives & feta cheese. The possibilities are endless!