My mother and I are very competitive when it comes to our pizza-making. While she may think that she makes the best crust, I know that I do.  About eight years ago we made my stepfather do a blind taste test and he picked me as the winner.  My mother still hasn’t lived it down.  I think pizzas are great for a Friday night with your family. Make enough dough to let each person create their own pizza, then everyone can sample each other’s creations.

Fill a small bowl with hot tap water. Let the bowl sit for 2 minutes. Dump the water and in the bowl, combine the yeast, 1 tablespoon flour, sugar, and 1/4 cup of warm water.  Let stand for about 5 minutes.  The mixture will be creamy and like a paste.  If it isn’t, then start over with fresh new yeast.

In a large glass or ceramic bowl, mix the 2 1/2 cups flour and salt.  Make a well and stir in the yeast mixture, 1 tablespoon oil, and remaining 3/4 cup warm water.  Mix until dough starts to come away from the sides of the bowl.  It will be sticky.

Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead with floured hands for about 8 minutes.  The dough will be soft and elastic.  Form into a ball.

Pour the remaining 1 teaspoon of olive oil into a clean large glass or ceramic bowl.  Place the dough ball in the bowl and roll it around to coat all the sides with the oil.  Tightly seal the bowl with plastic wrap.  Set aside in a warm place away from any drafts.  Allow the dough to rise until it doubles in size, about 1 to 1 1/2 hours.

After the dough rises, do not punch down.  Carefully place the dough onto a floured work surface.  Use your fingers to gently flatten into a disc and cut in half.  Use a lightly floured rolling pin and roll each piece into a circle about 10 inches in diameter, or to desired thickness. (I like mine paper thin.)  Pinch edges to form a crust.