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Category: Pizza Dough Pizza Dough
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Ingredients:

- 450 g of flour (choose your preferred type)
- 28 g of fresh yeast or 14 g of dried yeast
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 150 ml of tepid water
- 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil, plus extra for brushing and oiling the tray(s)
- 1 teaspoon of white sugar

Directions:

1. In a bowl, mix the flour and salt together.
2. Cream the yeast with a little water and let it sit until frothy.
3. Create a well in the flour mixture and add the yeast, olive oil, remaining water. Mix everything together until it forms a dough.
4. Transfer the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
5. Place the dough in a clean bowl, cover it with a damp tea towel, and let it rise in a warm place for approximately 1 hour, or until it doubles in size.
6. Once the dough has risen, turn it out onto a floured surface and gently knock it back with your hand or fist to remove any air pockets. Knead the dough again for a few minutes and shape it into a ball.
7. Preheat the oven to Gas Mark 8 (450°F/230°C).
8. Flatten the dough lightly with a rolling pin and place it on a well-oiled rectangular or circular tin.
9. Use your fingers to stretch and pull the dough until it covers the size of the tin. The edges of the dough should be slightly thicker than the middle, but the overall thickness should not exceed ¼" unless you prefer a thick crust.
10. Make small depressions in the dough with your fingers and brush it with oil.
11. Top the dough with your desired pizza toppings and bake it in the preheated oven for 10 minutes.
12. After 10 minutes, reduce the oven heat to moderate - Gas Mark 4 (350°F/180°C) - and continue baking for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the crust is browned and crisp.

Additional Tips:
- You can experiment with different types of flour, such as whole wheat or bread flour, to achieve different textures and flavors in your pizza dough.
- For a quicker rise, you can place the dough in a warm oven (turned off) or a slightly warm area.
- To ensure a crispy crust, preheat your baking tray or pizza stone before placing the dough on it.
- Feel free to get creative with your pizza toppings. Classic options include tomato sauce, cheese, vegetables, and meats, but you can also try unique combinations like pesto, roasted garlic, or even dessert pizzas with fruits and chocolate.

By following these steps and adding your own personal touch with toppings, you'll be able to enjoy delicious homemade pizza straight from your oven.