Basic Pizza Dough

Directions

1. 1
   Put the yeast, sugar, and water into a small bowl.
2. 2
   Stir and let rest for 10 minutes.
3. 3
   Mix the flour and salt in a large bowl and make a well in the center.
4. 4
   Add the melted lard or olive oil to the yeast mixture and pour into the well.
5. 5
   Work into a dough with a wooden spoon.
6. 6
   On a lightly floured board, knead the dough, folding it over and over until it is smooth and silky.
7. 7
   Add a little flour as needed until the dough is no longer sticky.
8. 8
   Shape the dough into a ball and, with olive oil on your hands, lightly coat the dough.
9. 9
   Put it into a bowl and cover it with a dish towel.
10. 10
    Let the dough double in size in a warm place.
11. 11
    This takes about 1 hour.
12. 12
    When the dough has risen, follow instructions in individual pizza recipes.