RISING CRUST PIZZA RECIPES

Steps:

• Stir together 3 cups flour, yeast, salt and sugar in a large mixing bowl.
• Combine water and oil in a small saucepan. Heat until hot to the touch, 125 to 130 degrees F. Gradually stir the oil and water mixture into the flour mixture with a wooden spoon. Beat until well mixed. Gradually add enough of the remaining flour to make a firm, soft dough. Turn out onto a lightly floured surface and knead until smooth and elastic, 8 to 10 minutes. Cover with plastic and let rest for 10 minutes. (Alternatively, in a food processor, combine 4 cups flour, yeast, salt and sugar. Heat 1 1/2 cups water and oil to 125 to 130 degrees F. With the motor running, gradually add the hot liquid. Process, adding up to 2 tablespoons cold water until the dough forms a ball, then process for 1 minute to knead. Turn out onto a lightly floured surface, cover with plastic and let rest for 10 minutes.)

Steps:

• In a large bowl, combine 1 1/2 cups of flour with yeast and salt.
• Pour hot water and oil into flour mixture and mix well.
• Mix in remaining flour to make a slightly sticky dough.
• Form dough into a ball.
• On a lightly floured surface - or using the dough hook on KitchenAid mixer - knead dough for about five minutes or until smooth and elastic.
• Cut dough in half; cover and let rest for 10 minutes. To make later, refrigerate the rounds of dough at this point. Bring to room temperature before rolling or stretching.
• Meanwhile, lightly oil pizza pans or sheets and sprinkle lightly with cornmeal.
• Roll dough to desired thickness and transfer to pans, or place dough directly on pan and pat and stretch to desired shape and thickness.
• Let rise for 15 minutes, a little longer if you are making a thick crust.
• Add toppings.
• Bake in 450 degree oven for 16 to 18 minutes.