Pizza dough

I used to run a pizza place back when I could handle a 9am to 3am shift. Those were the days. Sometimes think I could do it again. Then I wake up screaming. But I really really love pizza. Cheese pizza. And pepperoni anchovy. And taco. And just about anything. But a good pizza needs a good crust. So here are the best two I have found (I like 'em bready and not greasy).

Basic White Pizza Dough
(I'm quite lazy so I make the bread machine do all my mixing and kneading, you can do it the old fashioned way if you'd like, I will not support you in that choice, however!)

1 C warm water
2 T olive oil
1 t salt
2 t sugar
2 C flour
1 T yeast

If you do this in the bread maker, put it in in that order, put in on the dough mode and let her go. If you do it oldschool dissolve yeast, water and sugar until foamy (5-10 minutes). Gradually add flour and salt to yeast mixture. Knead 5-10 minutes. Cover bowl and let rise until double (45-1 hour).

Now, either method - Split in half, roll each out and put in greased pan. You can bake it now at 475 for 5-8 minutes for a crispier crust. Add the toppings and bake 8-12 minutes (melty cheese, nice and brown crust).

Whole Wheat (and delicious) Pizza Dough

1 1/2 C warm water
2 T sugar
1 T yeast
1 1/2 t salt
2 T olive oil
3 C bread flour
1 C whole wheat flour

same as above.

Try:
BBQ chicken pizza - Use leftover chicken and KC Masterpiece for the sauce, onions, olives, etc.

Taco Pizza - Use taco season ground beef, salsa for sauce, olives, onions. After cooked, top with shredded lettuce and tomatoes - serve with sour cream or ranch.

I just use a can of hunts pasta sauce for regular pizza sauce (my favorite is garden style, 3 cheese is good too).

Both these doughs also work great for breadsticks and cheese bread. Butter 'em up before and after cooking, bake with some garlic and Parmesan, crushed red peppers (if your brave). For dessert sticks, butter before and after then sprinkle cinnamon and sugar on afterwards, dip in cream cheese frosting, mmm.

Now I have revealed my pizza secrets.