Fail-Proof Pizza Dough

In a large mixing bowl, preferably that of a stand mixer, stir yeast and honey into the warm water. Let the mixture sit for 5-10 minutes or until bubbles form and mixture starts to foam. This tells you that the yeast is alive and kicking. Pour in salt, oil and half the flour and mix. Once that flour is incorporated, start adding flour, bit by bit until you get the pizza dough to the consistency you want: slightly tacky, but when you touch it, it doesn’t stick to your hands.

Once you reach this stage, turn the mixer on high to knead for 6 minutes. Turn a timer on and walk away! Resist the temptation to stop earlier than 6 minutes! That seems to be the magical number. The dough should be smooth and easy to work with. And the bowl should be clean at the end of the 6 minutes. If the bowl still has flour in it, add a few drops of water. If the dough is still sticking to the sides, add a little more flour.

Then, lightly grease the bowl and the dough so it doesn’t dry out, cover with plastic wrap and let it rise 1-2 hours.

Then top it and prepare it according to your favorite pizza recipe.

Yield: 2-12 inch pizzas or 1 large 18-20 inch pizza.