Perfect Pizza Dough

Place 1/4 cup warm water in a small bowl. Stir in the sugar until dissolved, then sprinkle the yeast onto the surface of the water. Let the yeast float there for one minute, then stir it into the water. Let they yeast proof from 10 minutes. It should bubble a bit if it doesnt, the yeast is outdated and inactive.

Pour the yeast mixture into a large bowl, then stir in the remaining water, and add the olive oil, and salt. Next, add the flour one cup at a time, stirring to incorporate all the flour before adding more. With a wooden spoon, mix the dough until it forms a ball. On a lightly floured surface, knead the dough for 10 minutes, or until it is smooth and elastic.

Coat the inside of a large glass or ceramic bowl with olive oil. Press the ball of dough into the bottom of the bowl, then flip the dough over so the oiled side is on top. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap, and let the dough rise in a warm place until it has doubled in bulk, about 1 1/2 hours.

Makes 1 1/2 pounds of dough, enough for two 12-14 inch pizzas or 8 personal pizzas.