Basic Bread Dough

Directions

1. 1
   Place the warm water in a warm mixing bowl and add the yeast.
2. 2
   Stir to dissolve the yeast, and let stand 3 minutes.
3. 3
   Add the salt and the sugar and stir to combine.
4. 4
   Add the flour and the olive oil and mix, using your hands until the dough comes together in a form that you can knead into a ball without the dough sticking to your fingers.
5. 5
   Wash and dry your hands.
6. 6
   Remove the dough ball from the mixing bowl and place on a smooth cutting board.
7. 7
   Knead the dough, occasionally dusting it with a teaspoon of flour at a time, until you form a smooth, firm, homogenous ball, about 15 minutes.
8. 8
   Place the dough ball into a lightly oiled bowl and cover it with a clean kitchen cloth.
9. 9
   Place the bowl in a warm area (like above the refrigerator) to rise until the dough is doubled in size, about 2 hours.
10. 10
    At this time, punch the dough down, and divide it into 4 equal pieces.
11. 11
    The dough is now ready for use.