Syd's Basic Pizza

Ingredients

FOR THE DOUGH

• 2 (1/4 ounce) envelopes dry yeast

• 2 cups warm water
• 5 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 teaspoons salt, low-sodium
• 1/2 teaspoon granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

FOR TOPPING

• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil (optional)
• 2-3 cups pasta sauce
• 2 cups romano cheese, shredded
• 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded

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. If sticky, add a little more flour in the next step.

4. 4

   Turn dough onto lightly floured board, & knead until dough is smooth & elastic. Dough will pop back if you stick a finger into it.

5. 5

   Put dough in lightly oiled bowl & brush it with oil, then cover with towel & put in warm place.

6. 6

   Allow to rise for 1 1/2 to 2 hours or until dough has doubled in size. A hole remains if you poke your finger into the dough.

7. 7

   Remove dough from bowl & punch it down on a board.

8. 8

   Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.

9. 9

   Divide dough into 2 equal balls, then cover & let rest 10 minutes.

10. 10

    Taking 1 ball at a time, roll it out or pat & stretch it into a circle about 14 inches in diameter. Dough should be thinner at center than at edge.

11. 11

    Pinch edge of dough to form a rim, & place the whole of the dough on a lightly oiled baking sheet.

12. 12

    Prick lightly all over with a fork.

13. 13

    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.

14. 14

    Add a layer of shredded Romano cheese over the sauce.

15. 15

    If desired, at this point add any meat/veggie topping(s) that you like.

16. 16

    Sprinkle top with shredded mozzarella cheese.

17. 17

    Bake until crust is done, about 30 minutes.