Pizza is one of the simplest things to make for a quick family meal or for unexpected guests. It can be as simple or as lavish as the ingredients that you have at your fingertips. The key to success is knowing how to make a quick pizza dough.
You will need to make sure that you have a good spot where you can mix the dough and roll it out or press it onto the pizza pans. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees so it will be ready as soon as the pizzas are assembled. Get out your recipe, and place it where it can be easily read.
You will need three-fourths cup of water, one and one-half teaspoon of sugar, one tablespoon of oil, one-half teaspoon of salt, one teaspoon of active yeast and two cups of bread flour. You can use more flour if necessary. Have a glass measuring cup, a set of measuring spoons, a candy thermometer and a large spoon close at hand.
Place the water in the glass measuring cup and heat it in the microwave until it reaches a temperature of 105 to 115 degrees. If it is hotter than this, allow it to cool so it won't kill the yeast. Check the temperature with the candy thermometer.
Put the warm water in a small mixing bowl, and sprinkle the yeast over the top. Mix with a spoon until the yeast is completely dissolved. Add the sugar and one teaspoon of flour. Stir gently, and allow the mixture to set for five minutes or until it begins to bubble. A lack of bubbles means the yeast is old or the water was too hot, and you will need to start over with fresh yeast or cooler water.
Mix in the salt, oil and the rest of the flour. Stir gently until it is well-mixed. Knead the dough for approximately 15 minutes. The dough should not be dry, but it should not stick to your hands, either. If it does, dust it lightly with more flour, and knead several more times. Form the dough into a ball.
Rub butter on the bottom and sides of a mixing bowl. Place the ball of dough inside, and turn it so that all sides are lightly buttered. Cover the bowl with a clean dishtowel, and place it in a warm place for one hour.
Punch down the dough. Roll it out to the diameter of the pizza pan you are going to use, or place the dough on the ungreased pan and use your fingers to press it out. It is now ready for you to add the toppings you have selected.
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