Join us on an educational adventure through each state in the USA! Each post in this series focuses on one state, and includes a regional recipe from that state. This is a fun way to get your kids involved in cooking, as well as learn a bit about United States geography! The post also includes a link to the featured state’s website, where you can learn more about the state. We also include free forms that you can download and print to use along the journey. Geography has never been so delicious!

Make sure to check back each week for the next post!

Did you know that the climate in Illinois is perfect for growing corn, wheat, asparagus, pumpkins, and apples. Livestock, such as beef cattle and hogs are also raised.

This recipe takes advantage of the wide range of crops from Illionis and makes a pizza that kids love to make – and eat!

ILLINOIS Chicago Style Deep-Dish Pizza

What You Will Need:

• 1 package Active Dry Yeast


• 1-1/4 cups Warm Water


• 2 tablespoons Sugar


• 1 tablespoon Salt


• 2-3/4 cups All-Purpose Flour


• 3 tablespoons Olive Oil


• 1/2 cup Yellow Cornmeal


• 1 15-1/2 ounce Jar Pizza Sauce


• 12 ounces Shredded Mozzarella Cheese


• 4 ounces Sliced Pepperoni or Sliced Cooked Sausage


• 4 ounces Mushrooms (optional)


• 1 small Onion, sliced (optional)


• Small Bowl


• Large Bowl


• Baking Pan, greased

What You Do:

• Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F.


• Dissolve yeast and sugar in warm water in a small bowl. Allow to stand until foamy (about 5 minutes).


• Mix the flour, cornmeal, oil, and salt in a large bowl. Make a well in the center and add the yeast mixture.


• Stir to form a soft dough, adding more flour if necessary.


• Take the dough out of the bowl and place it on a lightly floured surface. Knead the dough until it is supple and elastic (about 7 to 10 minutes). Kids really enjoy this step!


• Place the dough into a large bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm spot until the dough has doubled. This usually takes about 1 hour.


• Roll the dough out into a 13 inch circle on a lightly floured surface.


• Press the dough evenly on the bottom of a greased baking pan, and halfway up the sides of the pan.


• Spread the dough with half your favorite pizza sauce.


• Sprinkle half the shredded cheese on top the sauce, then add pepperoni or sausage and any other favorite toppings.


• Top the pizza with the remaining pizza sauce and cheese.


• Bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until the crust is lightly browned and the cheese is melted.


• Let pizza stand for about 5 minutes before slicing.


• Serve and enjoy!

Variations:

• If you prefer, use prepared pizza dough from the refrigerator aisle at your grocery store.

Illinois State Information – Click this link to learn more about Illinois attractions, activities, and to request free brochures, maps, and so much more!

US Geography Journal Pages – Use these journal pages to create a geography journal as you collect information about each state.

Illinois Outline Map – Use this state map to label capitals, major rivers and lakes, and other areas of interest. Draw a star on the place you would most like to visit in this state!

United States Outline Map – Use this USA map to track your journey as you “eat your way across the USA”! Color in each state that you’ve tried one of recipes for.

• The United States Cook Book – Take a Tasty Tour of America’s 50 States, and learn a lot of United States geography along the way! (PLEASE NOTE: The recipe featured above is not included in this book.)


• US History Cook Book – Serve up a heaping lesson of history with delicious recipes from our nation’s past… from the pilgrims’ first feast to today’s high-tech, low-fat fare.


• Maps of the United States – This reproducible book contains geopolitical maps of each of the fifty states; political maps of the six regions; and political, physical, and thematic maps of the United States. You’ll also find fun facts, geography bee-type questions, and review pages.


• DK State-by-State Atlas – More than an atlas, this book shows and tells young geographers who, what, when, where, and why.


• The Geography Book – From finding directions by the stars, to mapping your neighborhood, to making an earthquake in a box, you’ll have a great time learning about the world with The Geography Book.


• Professor Noggins USA Geography Game – From rural farming communities to urban cities, from snow-capped mountains to tropical islands, this game covers both the natural and political geography of the United States. Learn about the states, cities, and natural geographical wonders that make this country such an interesting place to visit.


• State by State Card Game – Learning about United States geography is made fun and memorable with this unique deck of cards!


• GeoPuzzle USA Puzzle – GeoPuzzles provide a hands-on approach to learning geography.

Make sure to check back next week for the next state in this series!

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