Pizza Dough

Makes 1 large round or rectangle pizza

Ingredients:

1 Tablespoon Active Dry Yeast

3/4 Cup warm water

½ Teaspoon salt

1 Teaspoon Italian herbs

½ Teaspoon honey or sugar

2 Cups flour

1 Tablespoon oil

1 Tablespoon Parmesan cheese, grated or shredded

Directions:

1. Stir yeast and honey into warm water. Allow 5-10 minutes to grow. Add half the flour (I like to use at least 1 cup of whole wheat*), the salt, italian herbs, parmesan cheese and oil; mix well. Mix additional flour in until dough clings to hook.

*Whole wheat makes a stickier dough; do not exceed recommended amount of flour or the dough may dry out. It is ok if the dough sticks to the bowl a bit.

2. Knead dough until smooth and elastic. Place in oiled bowl, turning once to cover all surfaces. Cover and let rise 1 hour**, or until nearly doubled. Punch down and form into pizza shape. Add desired toppings and bake at 400-425° for 15-20 minutes.

**To help the dough rise faster pour some water into an oven safe bowl and place in oven. Turn oven to 400° for 1 minute; turn off. Place dough in oven to rise and check after about 20 minutes to check progress.