Pizza Dough

1 pkg. reg. or quick active dry yeast (2 1/4 t.)
1/2 cup warm water (105 F to 115 F)
1 1/4 cups flour
1 t. olive oil
1/2 t. salt
1/2 t. sugar

Microwave water until it's at correct temperature range. In a large bowl dissolve yeast in the warm water. Stir in half the flour, oil, salt, and sugar. Stir in enough of the remaining flour to make it easy to handle. Knead dough until springy (just a few minuets). Using a paper towel coat a clean bowl with shortening. Place ball of dough in greased bowl and roll to coat all sides. Cover and let rise in warm place for 20 min. Push fist to deflate. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours and no longer than 48. If dough rises more during refrigeration process just gently push fist to deflate again.

Press dough into circle on greased baking sheet or stone. Cover with desired toppings and bake at 425 for 20-30 min.

My hubby is a pizza lover! I like to make this dough the night before and slice up whatever veggies we have so I can throw it together for a quick, delicious, and healthy dinner. We love to just thinly slice vine ripe tomatoes and lay them right on the dough. Then mozzarella (or whatever cheese we have), bell peppers, onions, and Italian sausage follow. Always add fresh basil or sprinkle some Italian spices on top to give it some extra flavor. We've done veggie pizza many times. Also, Michael has made fresh pesto and used that as the base sauce. I make a sauce out of canned tomato sauce and lots of basil, oregano, garlic, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes mixed in to taste. Use your imagination. Little ones love to help too!