Basic Pizza Dough I
INGREDIENTS:
• 1 package active dry yeast
• 1 tablespoon white sugar
• 1 1/4 cup warm water (110 degrees F)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 3 1/2 cups bread flour
DIRECTIONS:
In a large mixing bowl, dissolve yeast and sugar in the warm water. Let stand
about 10 minutes until it foams.
Stir the olive oil, salt, and 2 1/2 cups of the bread flour into the yeast mixture. Mix in the remaining flour, 1/2 cup at a time, mixing well. When the dough has formed, turn it out onto a lightly floured surface and knead until smooth and elastic. Lightly oil a large mixing bowl, place the dough in the bowl and turn to coat with oil. Cover with a damp cloth and put in a warm place to rise until doubled in volume; about 1 hour.
Punch down the dough and turn it out onto a lightly floured surface. Divide the dough into two equal pieces and form into rounds. Cover the rounds and let them rest for about 10 minutes. Preheat oven to 425 degrees F (220 degrees C).
Use a rolling pin to roll the dough into the desired shape, cover it with your favorite toppings and bake at 425 degrees for about 25 minutes or until the crust and cheese are golden brown.