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1. Stir the yeast into the water. Let the yeast proof for a few minutes while you combine the remaining ingredients.
2. Combine the dry ingredients in a large bowl. Mix in first the oil and stir until combined. Add most of the water and stir, making sure to sweep the spoon along the sides and bottom of the bowl in order to incorporate as much as possible. When you feel like all of the water has been absorbed by the flour, gradually add the rest of the water until a rough dough forms.
3. Dust your working surface with flour and turn the dough out of the bowl. Knead the dough; pressing down with the heel of your hand, folding the dough back to yourself and pushing down again. Rotate the dough as you knead it. You will feel the dough tighten and get smoother as you work it. Have some flour on hand and apply more as the dough starts to get sticky. Knead the dough for about ten minutes.
4. If you are mixing your dough the day of - place it into an oiled bowl and cover with plastic wrap. Let it sit for a few hours at room temperature. Otherwise, after mixing, place into a covered bowl or plastic bag and refrigerate overnight. Remove the dough from the fridge the next day several hours before baking.
5. When you are ready to bake, you should preheat your oven to 500 degrees.
6. Separate your dough into two balls, one larger than the other. Start with the large portion of dough and roll it out; enough so that it drapes over the edges of the pan.
7. Place your toppings, ideally something thin like pepperoni or mushrooms. Also add your shredded cheese of choice.
8. Roll out the second portion of dough so that it completely covers the top of the pizza. Pinch and roll the two layers of crust together tightly around the edges. With a sharp knife, cut slits in the crust to allow steam to escape.
9. Brush the crust with olive oil and bake the pizza for about ten minutes, until the upper crust is browning and solid to the touch. Remove the pizza from the oven and add your sauce. Return the pizza to the oven for a few more minutes until the sauce is hot and has reduced slightly. Allow the pizza to cool on a rack for a few minutes before serving.
