Pizza Dough

3/4 cup lukewarm water

1 teaspoon sugar

1 package dry active yeast

2 cups all purpose flour

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon olive oil

1/2 cup corn meal

light vegetable oil or cooking spray

Mix the water and sugar together in a medium bowl. Sprinkle the yeast on top and set aside for 10 minutes until bubbles form on the surface.

Add the flour, salt and olive oil slowly to the yeast mixture and mix into a soft dough. Knead with additional flour until light and smooth. Coat with oil and let rise in a large bowl in a warm place for about 1 hour.

Roll out on a work surface dusted with cornmeal to about 1/4 inch thick. Top as for pizza or bread sticks. Let rise for 20 minutes bake back at 400°F.

Thin Crust Pizza Dough

2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon sugar
1 (1/4 ounce) package active dry yeast
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup warm water
1/2-1 tablespoon olive oil
cornmeal, for sprinkling

In a large bowl, mix a sugar into the warm water. Sprinkle yeast on top. Wait for 10 minutes or until it gets all foamy. Add most of the flour, salt, olive oil. Mix for about 6-8 minutes until you have a moderately stiff dough that is smooth and elastic add remaining flour as needed. Stop mixing as soon as the dough ball forms as this type of dough should not be kneaded. Place the dough ball into a large bowl and cover tightly with plastic wrap. Let the dough rise for 20-24 hours in the refrigerator. (Please note that this long slow rising is essential for the dough to develop its signature texture and unique flavor!)

The next day, remove from the refrigerator and let rest at room temperature 30-50 minutes. Lightly grease two 12-inch pizza pans. Sprinkle pans with a little bit of cornmeal. Divide dough in half. Place each half on a pizza pan and pat it with your fingers until it stretches over the whole pan. Try to make it thicker around the edge. If desired, pre-bake at 425 F for 10 minutes. Then spread with pizza sauce and use the toppings of your choice. Bake at 425 F for 10-20 minutes longer or until bubbly and hot. Makes 2 12-inch pizzas.