Florence Fabricant's Basic Pizza Dough

Preparation

1. Step 1

   Dissolve yeast in water and set aside for about 10 minutes.

2. Step 2

   Combine 3¼ cups of the flour and the salt in a bowl, add the yeast mixture and the olive oil and mix until the ingredients cling together and can be gathered into a firm ball of dough.

3. Step 3

   Spread the remaining quarter-cup of flour on a board or work surface, place the ball of dough on the flour and knead, incorporating the flour from the board until the dough is smooth and elastic, about 10 minutes.

4. Step 4

   Place dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover and set aside to rise until doubled, about one hour. Punch dough down. Dough is now ready to use. It may be stored, wrapped in plastic, in the refrigerator overnight if necessary. It may also be frozen but should be thoroughly defrosted before using.