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Homemade
crust for pizza is easy to prepare and quick to bake
Sometimes,
it's more fun to make a fresh pizza crust from scratch. The flavoring
is better and you can make it as thick or as thin as you want. Here's
a basic crust recipe that is basically goof-proof. All you need is a
little time for the dough to rise and you'll have a piping hot pizza
in no time.
Basic Pizza
Crust
(for 2 medium pizzas)
1 cup warm water
1 package active dry yeast
1 teaspoon sugar (or honey)
2-1/2 - 3 cups all-purpose flour
½ teaspoon salt
2 Tablespoons oil
Add 1 cup warm water
in a bowl. Sprinkle yeast on top and add sugar. Do not stir and wait
for the bubbling reaction. If nothing occurs, the yeast is dead. Use
a fresh packet and start over. When the yeast blend bubbles, add the
oil.
In a large bowl,
combine the flour and salt. Make a well in the center and add the yeast
and water blend. Use a fork to mix and form a ball.
On a floured surface
begin kneading - about eight minutes. The dough should be elastic, but
smooth. The best method is to fold and press. Push down and away with
palms and continue folding and pressing.
Coat a separate
bowl with a heavy layer of cooking spray. Add the kneaded dough and
turn a couple of times so the entire ball is covered in oil. Cover with
a dish towel or paper towel and leave in a warm, draft-free spot. It
should be doubled in about one hour.
When the dough has
risen, turn out onto floured board and divide in half. Knead each piece
for a few seconds and let rest for an additional twenty minutes. Roll
each piece into a circle - use your hands if necessary for shaping.
Select your desired thickness and pinch the edges to create a lip.
Preheat the oven
to 425 degrees. Use two cookie sheets (cover with aluminum foil if desired).
Add more cooking spray and sprinkle with cornmeal (optional). Add rolled-out
dough and bake for approximately 12 minutes. Don't overcook and the
crusts will continue to bake once the ingredients have been added.
Remove and top with
sauces, cheese, and other favorite ingredients. Always precook meats
first (sausage, for instance). If adding vegetables, try sautéing
first for extra flavor.
Return to oven and
bake for another 10-15 minutes or until cheese begins to brown. Can
broil if desired.
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