1. Mix 2-3 Tbs dry yeast with a pinch of sugar and 1/2 cup warm (not hot) water in a cup. Let it sit for at least 5 minutes, this is called "proofing" the yeast. It wakes it up so that it is ready to work on your flour. It should start to bubble and foam.
2. In a food processor with a blade insert, put 3 cups of flour and 1 tsp of salt. Add the yeast water and pulse the mixture for 30 seconds. With the processor on low speed, add a thin stream of water until the mixture starts to come together like this...
Keep processing and add a little more water until it comes together in a ball and rolls around.
3. Put it in an oiled bowl, cover with a towel and let it rise until doubled in size - around 30 - 45 minutes.
4. If you're making pizza, this is enough for a 16 inch round pie. I push the dough into my pan by hand. You could roll it out on a floured surface if you want or throw it in the air if you want some drama!
5. Now comes the fun part - toppings! I make lots of different kinds of pizzas. Some of our favorites are sausage, beef, bacon, green peppers, red peppers, olives, onions...
6. If you like Pesto, just mix some (1/3 cup) with some cheese, spread it on the dough and top with tomatoes, roasted peppers, sun-dried tomatoes...7. Another favorite is a white pizza. This is a ricotta pie topped with peppers and sun-dried tomatoes. I spread 2 Tbsp olive oil and dry garlic flakes on the dough, then cover with a thin layer of ricotta, sprinkle some pizza cheese over the top, add toppings, black pepper and some Italian spices.
9. The same dough makes beautiful bread or rolls. Just shape it into the form you want after the first rising, let it rise again and then bake at 375 degrees for about 15 minutes until nicely browned. These are rolls I brushed with milk and sprinkled poppy seeds onto. They freeze nicely. If you like whole wheat - just mix it half and half with white flour!
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