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As with any other baking you do, the ingredients, in the proper measurements, are crucial to the outcome of the final product. Pizza is only as good as the crust on which the ingredients sit. Therefore, knowing how to make the perfect pizza dough is important. I would like to offer several recipes for pizza dough, one with yeast, and one quick and easy recipe without yeast.

Pizza Dough with Yeast (this is the best of the three, but it takes time to make)

Ingredients
4 -4 1/2 cups unbleached flour (make sure it has a high-gluten content like bread, or all-purpose flour)
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon instant yeast
1/4 cup olive oil (this is a necessity do not substitute vegetable oil for olive oil)
1 3/4 cups ice cold water
Cornmeal (this will be used for dusting your work surface)

Procedure
1. Stir together the flour, salt, and yeast in a large mixing bowl. Stir in the oil and the cold water all is absorbed. Using your hands, mix all of the ingredients together until they are smooth, this takes a lot of muscle, so be prepared to work the dough for at least 5 minutes. The dough will be very elastic and not sticky, if it is still sticky, add more flour until it gains elasticity and looses its stickiness.
2. Transfer the dough to a floured board or work surface. Cut the dough into 4 to 6 pieces (depending on how large you want your pizza). Form each piece into a ball, gently and place in a lightly oiled plastic zipper bag. Place the bags in the refrigerator to rest for at least 8 hours.
3. When it is time to make your pizza, you will take the pizza dough out of the refrigerator at least two hours before you intend to make your pizza. Dust your work surface with cornmeal. Form the dough into a round shape between 6 to 8 inches in diameter and inch in thickness. Let the round rest.
4. Pick up the round and begin stretching the dough gently into a pizza shape. Work the dough until it measures between 12 to 16 inches in diameter. Lay the dough on a cornmeal dusted pizza stone or baking pan. Top with your desired ingredients.
5. Bake in a 500 degree oven for 5 to 8 minutes, until the crust is golden brown and the cheese on your pizza is slightly browned and bubbly. Remove the pizza from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes to allow the toppings to set up.
9. Slice it and enjoy.

Pizza Dough without Yeast

Ingredients
2 cups flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
2/3 cup milk
1/4 cup vegetable oil
2 tablespoons vegetable oil

Procedure
1. Place all ingredients in a large mixing bowl for the exception of the 2 Tbsp vegetable oil.
2. Mix ingredients by hand or with mixer with dough hook together until smooth.
3. Dough should not be sticky and not attached to the side of the bowl, if it still is attached, add more flour.
4. Move dough onto a floured work surface and need for 2 to 3 minutes.
5. Divide the dough in half and shape each piece into a 12 inch round.
6. Top the dough with your favorite ingredients and place on a baking pan that has been prepared with non-stick cooking spray.
7. Brush the edges of the pizza with remaining vegetable oil.
8. Bake in a 425 degree oven for 18 to 20 minutes, until crust is golden brown and cheese is bubbly.

Enjoy experimenting with your favorite ingredients. Pizza is a great way to get your children baking, bringing the family together, and even for throwing a party. Make sure that the ingredients are fresh and the dough is ready and have a party for your mouth.

Learn more about this author, Heinz Sladek.
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