pizza dough/ la pasta da pizza

Pizza Dough


1 1/2 cups warm water  (100 F-110 F)
1 package (1/4 ounce) active dry yeast
3 level cups unbleached all purpose flour
1/2 level tablespoon salt
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
extra flour for kneading
extra olive oil for the bowl


On you Mark.....
- Measure 1/4 cup of the warm water into a small bowl. Make sure the water is not too hot, which will stop the yeast from becoming active, or too cool, which will keep it from starting. Use a kitchen thermometer or run the water over your fingers for a few seconds to make sure it is just warm.

- Sprinklethe package of yeast over the water, give it a stir, and then cover it.

-The water and yeast combination will need 10 minutes to become active. You will know the yeast is active if after 10 minutes soft bubbles appear on the surface of the water. If the bubbles do not appear, you'll need to start over with a new package of yeast and fresh water.

Get Set......


-Place 3 cups flour in a large bowl and sprinkle the salt over the flour.

-With a spoon make a well in the center of the flour. Pour the active yeast and water into the well. Mix with a fork until a wet paste forms.

-Combine the remaining 1 cup warm water and 1 tablespoon olive oil. Pour into the bowl and mix all the ingredients together. You should mow have a soft dough.

-Sprinkle a tablespoon of flour on a clean work surface. Sprinkle extra flour on you hands to keep the dough from sticking to them. Remove the dough from bowl and place it on the work surface.

-Begin kneading by pressing the dough away from you with the palms of your hand then folding it in half. Pick it up and give it a turn to the right or left. Work the dough over and over for 5 to 6 minutes, repeating that same action. Be sure to keep turning the dough in the same direction. It will be sticky in the beginning, but don't worry.

-From time to time, give the dough a few punches to get the air out. Knead until it is smooth and springy, Now it is ready for a rest.

- Drizzle a small amount of olive oil into a clean bowl and place the dough on top of it. Give the ball of dough a few spins and turn it over to lightly coat it with the oil.

- Cover with a sheet of plastic wrap and a couple of heavy, clean kitchen towels.

- Place the dough in a warm, draft-free spot where it can rise undisturbed for 1 1/2 hours, or until it doubles in size.


Cook.......

_to Make the dough into pizza, follow the recipe on following page

-To make the dough into bread: Sprinkle a little flour on your hands. Pull the dough out of the bowl and punch it down to remove air. Knead again for 4 to 6 minutes on a lightly floured work surface.

- Shape the dough to fit into a lightly oiled 8 1/2 x 4 1/2 inch bread pan. Brush the top with a little olive oil.

-Cover with plastic wrap or wax paper and heavy, clean kitchen towels. Let the bread rise again in a warm, draft-free spot for 1 hour.

- Preheat the oven to 375 F.

- Bake for 50 to 60 minutes.

-Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Using clean hot pads, Carefully tip the pan over and remove the bread. The bread will make a hollow sound when you tap it and that means it's done. If it's not done, return it to the bread pan and bake another 5 to 10 minutes.