Pizza dough

I am constantly looking for and trying new pizza

dough recipes. I found one that I really like

and it has come out great, or even better, each

time I have made it.

It's from "Family Meals" by Maria Helm Sinskey.

I love the entire cookbook and have made many

of her family friendly recipes. Beautiful photos,

and stories to accompany each recipe - love that.

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Pizza Dough

1/1/2 tsp. active dry yeast

1 1/4 cups warm water

1 tsp. sugar

3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

2 tsp. salt

2 Tbl. extra-virgin olive oil

Makes enough dough for 2 large pizzas.

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In a small bowl, sprinkle the yeast over

1/2 cup of the warm water, allow to bloom for

a few min., then whisk until smooth. Whisk in

the sugar, and then whisk in 1/2 cup of the flour.

Cover with plastic wrap and let sit in a warm spot

until the mixture bubbles, about 15 min.

(I use my laundry room, which is always hot at this

time of the year...no a/c vent in there)

In a bowl of a stand mixer, stir together 2 1/2

cups of the flour and the salt. Add the yeast mixture,

the remaining 3/4 cup water, and the oil. Fit the

mixer with the dough hook and knead on med. speed,

adding as much of the remaining 1/2 cup flour as

needed to reduce wetness, until the dough is

elastic, pliable, and moist but not sticky, about

10 min. (I have always needed all of the 1/2 cup

of flour, if not a bit more..)

Shape the dough into a ball, place in a lightly

oiled bowl, turn the ball to coat with the oil,

cover with plastic wrap, and let the dough

rise in a warm spot until doubled, about 2 hrs.

(Or, re-fridge overnight and bring to room temp.

before continuing)

Punch down the dough, and divide into 2 equal pieces.

Place the balls on a lightly floured plate,

cover with plastic wrap, and let rest for 15 min.

till ready to roll out.

Pre-heat oven to 425 degrees.

Position the oven rack in the lower 1/3 of the

oven. Lightly drizzle your pans with olive oil,

and a dust of corn meal.

Roll out the dough and place on the sheets and

top with your favorite ingredients.

Bake till crust is golden and the cheese is

bubbling. Remove from oven and let

cool for about 5 min.

Slice into wedges and enjoy!