Thursday, September 17, 2009

Quick Mix Pizza Dough

1 cup very warm tap water
2 tablespoons olive oil
3 to 3 1/2 cups flour, divided
2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
1 teaspoon sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt

Combine 1 1/2 cups flour, yeast, sugar, and salt in mixer with dough hook. Add warm water and oil and beat for 3 minutes. Add additional 1 1/2 cups flour knead in mixer for 10 minutes, adding remaining 1/2 cup flour as needed to keep dough from sticking. Shape dough into ball and place in a large greased bowl, turning over dough to grease on top. Cover with a damp cloth and let rise until doubled, 45-60 minutes.

Preheat oven to 450 degrees. Punch dough down and divide in half. Dough may be frozen at this point if desired. Roll half of dough onto pizza stone. Prick surface of dough thoroughly with a fork. brown the crust for 10-15 minutes. Add toppings and bake an additional 10-15 minutes until done. Repeat with other half of dough.