Pizza Dough

Directions

1. 1
   In a small bowl, add 1/2 cup warm water (if the water is too hot the yeast will die and if the water is too cold the yeast will not activate).
2. 2
   Add the dry yeast and sugar, stir to combine and let sit for 15 minutes.
3. 3
   The top of the water will bubble and it will smell very yeasty; this is what you want.
4. 4
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt.
5. 5
   Make a well in the center of the flour and add the olive oil and the yeast/water mixture.
6. 6
   Using a fork, gradually stir the flour into the yeast/water mix.
7. 7
   Once most of the flour has combined, turn the dough out to a smooth, clean work surface dusted with flour and use your hands to knead the dough to a smooth consistency.
8. 8
   Lightly coat the mixing bowl with oil, return the dough to the bowl, cover with plastic wrap and set in a warm place until the dough has doubled in size, at least 1 hour.
9. 9
   When the dough is ready, portion it into six golf-ball-size pieces.
10. 10
    (If you're not using the dough right away, wrap each ball individually in plastic and refrigerate until ready to use.)
11. 11
    Dust a work surface with flour and roll each piece of dough into a rectangle (or whatever shape you like; I like irregular shapes).
12. 12
    Top the pizzas as desired.