30-Minute Pizza

Directions

1. 1
   Preheat oven to 500 degrees.
2. 2
   Lightly oil a pizza pan or pizza screen.
3. 3
   If using a pan, sprinkle it lightly with cornmeal.
4. 4
   Mix the yeast with 1 cup of the flour in a mixing bowl.
5. 5
   Stir in the hot water and blend until no raw flour shows.
6. 6
   Stir in a second cup of flour and the salt and mix quickly until the dough comes away from the sides of the bowl.
7. 7
   Dust work surface and hands with the third cup of flour and turn the dough out of the bowl.
8. 8
   Knead in the remaining flour a little at a time, using a dough scraper to prevent sticking.
9. 9
   Knead vigorously about 5 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic.
10. 10
    Press the dough into an 8-inch circle, then roll or stretch it to fit a 15- to 18-inch pizza pan.
11. 11
    Add the desired toppings (spread the cheese on first) and finish with a drizzling of olive oil.
12. 12
    Bake about 15 minutes until the crust is golden and the topping bubbly.
13. 13
    Serve at once.