Pizza Dough

Ingredients

• 1/2 teaspoon sugar
• 1 package dry yeast (about 2 1/4 teaspoons)
• 2/3 cup warm water (100° to 110°)
• 1 1/2 cups bread flour
• 1 1/2 tablespoons cornmeal
• 2 teaspoons extravirgin olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons bread flour
• Cooking spray

Preparation

1. Dissolve sugar and yeast in warm water in a large bowl; let stand 5 minutes. Lightly spoon flour into dry measuring cups; level with a knife. Add flour, cornmeal, oil, and salt to yeast mixture; stir until a soft dough forms. Turn dough out onto a floured surface. Knead 5 minutes. Add 2 tablespoons bread flour, as needed, to prevent dough from sticking to hands (dough will feel tacky).
2. Place dough in a large bowl coated with cooking spray, turning to coat top. Cover and let rise in a warm place (85°), free from drafts, 45 minutes or until doubled in size. (Gently press two fingers into dough. If indentation remains, dough has risen enough.) Punch dough down; shape into a ball. Lightly respray bowl; place dough in bowl, turning to coat top. Cover; let rise in a warm place (85°), free from drafts, for 30 minutes.
3. Place dough on a lightly floured surface. Shape and top according to specific pizza instructions.