Makes two to three hearty pizza
crusts. This dough can also be used to make calzones or can be frozen for later
use.
1 (.25 ounce) package active dry yeast
1 tablespoon of sugar
2 ½ cups of warm water (110 degrees F)
2 tablespoons of olive oil
1 tablespoon of salt
1/2 whole wheat flour
5 1/2 cups of bread flour
1 tablespoon of garlic powder
1 1/2 teaspoon of basil
Directions:
1. In a glass or bowl, dissolve yeast and sugar in the warm water. Let sit until
creamy; about 10 minutes.
Hint: An effective and quick way to help the yeast activate is to place it on
the stove as the oven is preheating. It's sort of like giving the yeast a jump
start. The added warmth of the stove top provides just the right boost to the
activating yeast. 2. Stir the olive oil, wheat flour, salt, garlic powder, basil, and 4 cups of
bread flour into the yeast mixture.
3. Mix the remaining flour, ½ cup at time, stirring well after each addition.
4. When the dough has pulled together, turn it out onto a lightly floured
surface and knead until smooth and elastic, about 8 minutes.
5. Lightly oil a large mixing bowl, place the dough in the bowl and turn to coat
with olive oil. Cover with damp cloth and put in a warm place to rise until
doubled in volume; about 1 hour.
6. Deflate the dough and turn it out onto a lightly floured surface. Divide the
dough into two to three equal pieces and form into rounds. Cover the rounds and
let them rest for about ten minutes.
7. Preheat oven to 425 degrees F (220 degrees C).
8. Use a rolling pin to roll the dough into the desired shape, cover it with
your favorite toppings and bake at 425 degrees (220 degrees C) for about 20
minutes or until the crust and cheese are golden brown. |