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If you were to take a survey of the most popular foods, pizza would surely be among the top picks. Who can resist the crispy crust, the flavorful sauce, an assortment of toppings and the cheese, all stretchy and gooey? Pizza is great for dinner, snack-time and even for breakfast. And if you haven’t noticed, pizza has come a long way, teaming with other favorite foods to become the ultimate in deliciousness — a real party in a pan.

Any good pizza starts with a good crust and there are many options to choose from. Homemade (recipe below) or a ball of purchased dough produces the most authentic pizzeria-style crust. Frozen bread dough is another good choice.

Then there’s the sauce. The typical pizza sauce is tomato-based seasoned with Italian herbs and spices. It goes great with favorite toppings like pepperoni, sausage or mushrooms (or all three.)

If you’re not in the mood for a red sauce pizza, top your dough with a creamy Alfredo sauce, homemade or jarred. It makes a fantastic white pizza, especially when layered with fresh basil leaves and sliced tomatoes or spinach and diced chicken breast. Finish with a combination of mozzarella, Asiago and freshly-grated Parmesan cheeses. Yum!

Homemade Pizza Crust

1 packet granular yeast

1 tsp. sugar

1 cup warm water

3 cups sifted flour

1/2 tsp. salt

2 T. olive oil

Directions: Dissolve yeast and sugar in warm, not hot, water. Beat in half the flour. Add salt, oil and remaining flour. Mix well then turn onto floured surface and knead until smooth and elastic, adding more flour if needed. Place in a lightly oiled bowl, turning dough to oil top. Cover and let rise in a warm place (85 to 90 degrees) until double.

Punch down dough and divide in half. Roll or stretch each half into a circle about 13 inches in diameter. Place on oiled pizza pan, fold under excess and build up rim slightly (can also roll into two 8×12-inch rectangles to be baked on oiled baking sheets.) Brush lightly with oil and top as desired. Bake in 400-degree F. oven for 20 to 25 minutes or until bottom is crusty. Makes two pizzas.

No-Cook Red Pizza Sauce

1 clove garlic

1 tsp. salt

1 (6-ounce) can tomato paste

1 (8-ounce) can tomato sauce

1/2 tsp. sugar

1/8 tsp. pepper

1/2 tsp. oregano

1 T. olive or vegetable oil

Dash red pepper, optional

Directions: Put garlic through garlic press or mash to a pulp with salt. Combine with remaining ingredients. Makes 1 cup, enough for 2 (12-inch pizzas.)

Quick Alfredo Sauce

1/2 cup butter

1 to 2 cloves garlic, pressed or finely minced

1 cup heavy cream

3/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Salt to taste

1/4 tsp. freshly ground pepper

Pinch of ground nutmeg

Directions: In small saucepan melt butter. Stir in garlic. Add cream and heat just till hot, stirring constantly. Remove from heat and add cheese, salt, pepper and nutmeg. Spoon onto prepared pizza crust. Top with any of these: cooked chicken or shrimp, mushrooms, spinach or fresh basil, sliced tomatoes, mozzarella or Parmesan cheese. Bake as directed above.