PIZZA DOUGH

Ingredients

1 cup hot water (as hot as you can get it out of the tap - NOT boiling)

2 1/4 tsp (or one sachet) dry active yeast - I use quick acting yeast

1 tsp honey or granulated sugar

3-4 cups all purpose flour

1 tsp salt

4 tbsp olive oil

Method

1. add water to a large bowl.  Sprinkle with yeast, add sugar or honey and stir very briefly with a wooden spoon or chopstick. let stand until it begins to foam (4-5 minutes)

2. once yeast/water mixture is foamy, add add flour, olive oil and salt and stir, with a wooden spoon, until a sticky dough forms.  knead on a lightly floured surface for 3-4 minutes, adding more flour as necessary until the dough becomes smooth and elastic. 

3. form dough in to a ball and place in a lightly oiled bowl. turn the dough in the bowl so the top has a light coat of oil. cover bowl with plastic wrap and a hot, damp towel and place in a draft free spot (I put mine in the microwave) until the dough has doubled in size - 35-45 mins. 

4. when ready to use, punch the dough down to let out excess air. place dough on a lightly, flat surface and give it a gentle knead for 10 seconds.

5. make pizza.