2 ½ cups warm water
4 ½ teaspoons dry yeast
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
¼ cup pecan oil (or substitute canola or butter)
1 tablespoon salt
4 cups whole-wheat flour
2 cups unbleached all-purpose white flour

Mix the water, sugar and yeast. Allow the yeast to work and begin to bubble, Add 4 cups of the flour and the oil and salt. Mix well. Add the rest of the flour gradually, allowing some to add in while kneading if needed. Knead the dough for 10 minutes by hand or 4 minutes with a machine. Place in oiled bowl and cover. Allow to rise until doubled.

Punch down the dough and divide into 2 large or 3 medium pizza crusts. Roll the dough then stretch and work into circles. Spread with fingers and crimp edges up. Top with a sauce and then add the toppings you desire. Sprinkle cheese on top and bake at 400º F until edges of crust are browned and the center of the pizza is bubbly.

Making pizza dough is only half the fun. The whole family will enjoy preparing the pizzas and decorating the homemade crust with veggies, meats and cheese. Wait until they taste it!