Although living in the country is very quiet and serene, that serenity comes with a price - no pizza delivery. Now, I only live about 7 minutes from town. But when I'm feeling too lazy to cook supper I'm REALLY feeling too lazy to pack up three hungry kids, drive to town, get out of my car, pick up the pizza ... I'm sure you get the drift. Here is a really easy recipe for pizza dough, that does not need to proof unless you have the time to leave it. If you are motivated on a different day you can make a triple batch and freeze it in one-crust sized baggies. Or not.
Easy Pizza Dough - enough for one large pizza crust
1 cup warm water (37 C thank you bio-chemist sister-in-law)
2 tsp active dry yeast (or 1 pkg)
1/4 tsp. sugar
2 3/4 to 3 cups all purpose flour
1/2 tsp salt
1 Tbsp olive or vegetable oil
Preheat oven to 450 F. Put rack on lowest part of oven.
If you have a kitchen aid mixer, this is a good time to use it. Use the dough hook attachment. Disolve yeast in warm water with the 1/4tsp sugar added - let sit until foaming (about 5 minutes). Add 2 cups of flour, oil and salt. Beat until smooth, then add enough additional flour to form a soft dough. Turn it out onto a floured surface and knead until smooth and elastic (you should be able to stretch it somewhat, without it tearing). If you have a mixer, using the dough hook mix at medium speed for about 5 minutes. Cover and let stand for about 10 mintues. While the dough is resting, grate your cheese, chop your veggies, slice your meats - whatever you plan on putting on your pizza. Shape the pizza dough to fit the pan, top it with sauce, a little of the cheese, the toppings, more cheese ... you get the idea. Bake for 12 to 18 minutes until edges are brown and cheese is bubbling. If you want to proof the dough, then let it rise in a warm place for an hour or so, then punch it down and carry on shaping and topping.
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