Simple and Easy Pizza

Here is how to make pizza, easily and simply, in about an hour. This basic recipe is perfect for mid-week meals, yet can easily be modified for slightly different crust results.

First, gather these ingredients:

* 3 cups warm water
* 1 tablespoon yeast
* 1/4 cup sugar
* 1 tablespoon salt
* 8-10 cups flour
* 2 tablespoons cornmeal
* 3 8-oz cans tomato/pizza sauce
(I recommend pizza sauce from Pastorelli Foods of Chicago!)
* 6 cups finely shredded mozzarella cheese
* other toppings you might want

Preheat oven to 475 degrees.

Mix water, yeast, sugar and salt in a bowl and let stand for about 10 minutes.

Slowly mix in flour until dough is not wet looking and can be kneaded. Knead the dough until smooth, then cover with a clean dishtowel and let stand for about 30 minutes.

Split dough into pieces — you should be able to get 3 – 5, depending on the size pizza pan you are using.

Roll out dough, squeezing and stretching if necessary to fit your pans.

Sprinkle corn meal onto each pan and lay the rolled out dough onto them.

Spread tomato/pizza sauce onto dough, leaving about a half inch long the outside of the crust bare.

Liberally spread cheese on top of sauce and add additional toppings as desired.

Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the cheese bubbles and the dough has browned.

When you remove it from the oven, let it stand for a couple of minutes to cool slightly before slicing. You won’t have to call anyone to dinner, the aroma will do that for you!