Syd's Basic Pizza

Directions

1. 1
   FOR THE DOUGH, Dissolve yeast in warm water.
2. 2
   In large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, salt & sugar.
3. 3
   Add yeast mixture & oil into middle of flour mixture, mixing until dough is soft but not sticky.
4. 4
   If sticky, add a little more flour in the next step.
5. 5
   Turn dough onto lightly floured board, & knead until dough is smooth & elastic.
6. 6
   Dough will pop back if you stick a finger into it.
7. 7
   Put dough in lightly oiled bowl & brush it with oil, then cover with towel & put in warm place.
8. 8
   Allow to rise for 1 1/2 to 2 hours or until dough has doubled in size.
9. 9
   A hole remains if you poke your finger into the dough.
10. 10
    Remove dough from bowl & punch it down on a board.
11. 11
    Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
12. 12
    Divide dough into 2 equal balls, then cover & let rest 10 minutes.
13. 13
    Taking 1 ball at a time, roll it out or pat & stretch it into a circle about 14 inches in diameter.
14. 14
    Dough should be thinner at center than at edge.
15. 15
    Pinch edge of dough to form a rim, & place the whole of the dough on a lightly oiled baking sheet.
16. 16
    Prick lightly all over with a fork.
17. 17
    FOR THE TOPPING, If you want, you can brush the pizza dough LIGHTLY with olive oil, OR just start by covering the dough with a pasta/pizza sauce, to about 1 to 1 1/2 inches from the edge.
18. 18
    Add a layer of shredded Romano cheese over the sauce.
19. 19
    If desired, at this point add any meat/veggie topping(s) that you like.
20. 20
    Sprinkle top with shredded mozzarella cheese.
21. 21
    Bake until crust is done, about 30 minutes.