📖 Instructions

1. First, we’ll start with the dough. In a large mixing bowl, dissolve the yeast and sugar in warm water. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes, until it gets nice and frothy—this means the yeast is active and ready to go. If it doesnt froth up, it might mean your yeast is too old. Don't worry, just grab a new packet and try again. Been there, done that!
2. Next, add the whole wheat flour, salt, and olive oil to the yeast mixture. Mix it all together with a wooden spoon or your hands until a shaggy dough forms. Don't worry about making it perfect at this stage; we'll knead it in a bit.
3. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead it for about 8-10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, add a little bit of flour, one tablespoon at a time, until its manageable. If it’s too dry, add a teaspoon of water. Pro tip: Kneading is also a great stress reliever. Just imagine you're punching all your worries away! Haha!
4. Place the kneaded dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning it to coat all sides. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size. This step is crucial, so don't rush it! The rising time will depend on the warmth of your kitchen.
5. While the dough is rising, prepare your toppings. Slice the pepperoni and mushrooms. If you're using any other veggies, like onions or bell peppers, chop them up too. I once tried adding pineapple to my pizza. Lets just say it was an experience. Moving on...
6. Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C). If you have a pizza stone, place it in the oven while it preheats. This will give you an extra crispy crust!
7. Once the dough has risen, gently punch it down to release the air. Turn it out onto a lightly floured surface and roll it out to your desired thickness and shape. I like mine thin and round, but hey, it's your pizza!
8. Carefully transfer the rolled-out dough to a baking sheet or your preheated pizza stone. If using a baking sheet, you might want to lightly grease it first to prevent sticking.
9. Spread a thin layer of your favorite pizza sauce over the dough, leaving a small border for the crust. Sprinkle a generous amount of shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauce. Now comes the fun part: Add your toppings! Distribute the pepperoni and mushrooms evenly over the cheese. Feel free to add any other toppings you like; get creative!
10. Bake the pizza in the preheated oven for about 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly. Keep an eye on it, as oven temperatures can vary.
11. Remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool for a couple of minutes before slicing and serving. If you're feeling fancy, sprinkle some fresh basil or oregano on top for extra flavor. Enjoy your delicious homemade whole wheat pizza!