New York Style Pizza Crust

In a large bowl, dissolve sugar and salt in water.

In a large bowl, dissolve sugar and salt in water.

Turn out to a lightly floured surface and press into a circle.

Sprinkle yeast evenly over dough and knead for 12 minutes.

Divide dough into portions: Approx 6 oz. for Calzones, 18 oz. for 12 inch, 25 oz. for 15 inch. I got a 12 inch pizza out of about 10 oz of dough, it was a little tough and crispy on the edges though.

Roll each portion into a ball. You want a dough ball without visible seams except the bottom.

. Place dough balls in a bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and allow to proof for 1−2 hours at room temperature to use the same day, or store in refrigerator to use the next day. (this is about 80% of the time this recipe takes comes from.)

Place dough ball on lightly floured surface, and lightly flour the top. Use fingertips to evenly flatten out the dough ball. Work from the edges to the center press dough into a 12" circle. Place both hands within the shell edge and stretch with fingertips and palms maintaining an even pressure. Or, use a lightly floured rolling pin to stretch to desired shape.

Sprinkle cornmeal or semolina on pizza peel or a cutting board. The cornmeal allows the pizza to slide onto the stone easily.

After topping the pizza, when you are ready to cook it. Shake the peel or cutting board to make sure none of the dough is sticking.

Carefully slide the pizza into the oven.

Bake in a 500 degree oven for 20-25 minutes, until crust is golden.