Pizza Dough

Ingredients:

1/2 c. hot water
1 package (2-1/4 tsp.) regular or fast acting yeast
1-1/4 to 1-1/2 c. Flour (all-purpose or bread)
1 tsp. Olive Oil or Vegetable Oil
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. sugar
cooking spray

Directions:

1. Heat water over medium heat until an instant read thermometer reads between 105 to 115 degrees Fahrenheit. In a large bowl, dissolve the yeast into the water. With a wooden spoon, stir in half the flour and remaining ingredients (minus the cooking spray). Stir in remaining flour at 1/4 c. intervals until the dough is easy to handle.


2. Sprinkle flour on the counter and knead dough for 10 minutes (sprinkling additional flour if dough starts to stick.)


3. Grease a large bowl. Stick dough in the bowl, turning dough to grease all sides of it. Cover the bowl loosely with plastic wrap. Stick in a warm place to let rise for 20. (I use the microwave as my warm place. My trick is to put a small container of water in the microwave and cook long enough to make the water bowl. Then (leaving the water in the microwave), I add the bowl with the dough. Do NOT start the microwave at this point, just close the door and start your timer. This trick works for all yeast breads that need to rise). If you have questions, email me at cami.smithson@gmail.com.


4. Gently push your fingers into the dough to deflate it. Cover and stick in refrigerator for at least 2 hours (but not longer than 48 hours.) If dough should double in size during refrigeration, simply push your fingers into it to deflate it).


5. Heat oven to 425. Move rack to middle position in oven. Place dough on the center of an ungreased cookie sheet or 12" pizza pan. Using floured fingers, press dough into a 12" round. Press from the center out so the center is slightly more thin than the edges.


6. Spread pizza sauce over dough and add toppings!


7. Bake for 15-20 minutes (until the crust is golden brown and the cheeses are melted and lightly browned)