Herbed Pizza Dough

Ingredients

1 C warm water
2 tssp dry yeast
1 tsp sugar
1tbsp olive oil + oil for coating dough
2 tsp chopped fresh herbs
1 tsp salt
3 C unbleached all-purpose flour (can substitute up to 1/2 C whole wheat)

Instructions

put the water in a large mixing bowl, sprinkle in yeast and sugar and stir, letting stand until foamy (~5 minutes).

stir well, add the olive oil, herbs, salt and 1 cup of the flour and mix well. Add the remaining flour 1/2 cup at a time, mixing well at each addition. If this becomes too difficult with a spoon, mix with your hands.

dump the dough on a lightly floured surface and knead until all the flour is incorporated. lightly coat the entire ball of dough with oil, return to the uncleaned bowl and cover with a towel. allow to sit in a warm place until it has doubled in bulk, about 1 hour.

punch down the dough and divide into 2 pieces. form each piece into a tight ball and let sit uncovered for 5 minutes on the counter. on a floured surface, roll each ball into a 10-inch circle (12 inches for thinner pizza).


from the cafe flora recipe book.