Pizza Dough

Inspiration: Emeril
Prep: 2 hours
Serves: 1 large pizza


Description: This is a simple and basic dough recipe that has not failed me yet. Make sure your yeast is fresh and your warm rising spot is free of drafts. 

Ingredients:
1 cup warm water 
1 envelope active dry yeast
1 teaspoon honey
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
2 3/4 cups unbleached all-purpose flour
Pinch salt
Yellow cornmeal, for sprinkling the baking sheet

Directions:
1. In a large bowl, combine the water, yeast, honey, and 1 tablespoon oil, stirring to combine.
2. Let sit until the mixture is foamy, about 5 minutes.
3  Add 1 1/2 cups of the flour and the salt,until it is all incorporated and the mixture is smooth.
4. Continue adding the flour, 1/4 cup at a time, working the dough after each addition, until the dough is smooth but still slightly sticky.
5. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead until smooth but still slightly tacky, 3 to 5 minutes.
6. Oil a large mixing bowl with remaining olive oil. Place the dough in the bowl, turning to coat with the oil.
7. Cover with plastic wrap or a wet towel and set in a warm place until doubled in size, about 1 1/2 hours.
8. Punch dough down and turn out onto a lightly floured surface and roll into a 15-inch circle.

Tips and Tricks
Bread machines are brilliant for this and do all the work for you!
Try adding chedder cheese, garlic, parmesean, or cinnamon to spice the dough up
I warm the oven, turn the heat off, and add the dough with a wet cloth over the bowl.