Bettys 10 Minute Pizza Base Food

QUICK PIZZA DOUGH

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 500 degrees. NOT BROIL. If you have a pizza stone, be sure it's in the oven before you turn it on (This prevents is from cracking). If you are not using a pizza stone you can use the back of a cookie sheet -- see instructions below.
• Pour the warm water in a large bowl. Add the yeast and let it sit for about a minute until it's looking a little foamy.
• Add the flour, sugar, salt, and olive oil. Stir to combine (I use a sturdy spatula or wooden spoon) and form a shaggy dough.
• Flour a clean work surface and dump the dough onto it. Knead the dough for about 4 minutes, incorporating any dry bits that weren't mixed in the bowl.
• Place the dough back in the bowl and cover it with a kitchen towel (I know the bowl is dirty; it's fine.). Put the bowl on top of the stove (the heat from the oven will make the dough more pliable) and let it sit for 5 minutes.
• While you wait for the dough, get your pizza toppings ready -- grate your cheese, slice onions and peppers, etc.
• If you have a pizza peel, rub it with flour and dust with cornmeal (this prevents sticking). If you do not have a pizza peel you can use a wooden cutting board OR you can assemble and bake on THE BACK of a cookie sheet.
• Divide the dough in half (well-floured hands help) and stretch it carefully into a circle. I like a thinner crust so I just leave a slight lip around the edge of my circle and I stretch it pretty thin but this is all about preference (Note: thicker dough will take a little longer to cook).
• Place your circle on the peel/cutting board/cookie sheet you set up and add your toppings.
• If you are using the cookie sheet, place it right in the oven (middle rack) and bake for 10 minutes.
• If you heated a pizza stone in the oven, carefully slide your pizza off the peel or cutting board and onto the stone. Bake for 10 minutes (more if you opted for a thicker crust) or until the crust is golden and the cheese is melted.
• Repeat with the second dough.
• EAT.

BETTY'S 10 MINUTE PIZZA BASE

Steps:

• 1. In a large bowl mix everything together. Remove from the bowl and knead on your bench dusted with flour until it comes together and is "glossy" - that should take about 3-5 minutes.
• 2. Pop the kneaded dough back into the bowl, cover with a warmed tea towel (sprinkle with a little water and heat in the microwave for 30 seconds). Place the bowl in a warm area of your house and let rise for 10 minutes.
• 3. After 10 minutes, use as a pizza base, calzone or even foccacia bread. Bake at 400oF/200oC for 15-20 minutes.