BASIC PIZZA CRUST

Basic Pizza Crust image

Number Of Ingredients 7

2 tablespoons cornmeal yellow (optional)
2 1/2 cups flour
1 (1/4-ounce) packet yeast Red Star\ Active Dry or Quick. Rise?
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup water very warm (120° to 130°)
2 tablespoons vegetable shortening solid
cornmeal Yellow (optional)

Steps:

Place a baking sheet on middle rack of oven. Preheat oven to 400°. Generously grease two 12-inch round pizza pans. Sprinkle each pan with cornmeal if desired.Step 1: In a medium bowl, stir together 1 cup of the flour, yeast and salt until well blended.Step 2: Add very warm water and shortening. Mix by hand until almost smooth.Step 3: Gradually stir in remaining 1 1/2 cups flour to make a firm dough. Cover let rest for 15 minutes.Step 4: Divide dough in half. With well-floured fingers, press half of dough into each pizza pan. Generously prick dough with a fork.Place one pizza pan on preheated baking sheet. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes or just until edges begin to turn a light golden brown. Remove from oven. Bake second crust on hot baking sheet.Add desired toppings and bake as directed in individual recipes.

Nutrition Facts : Nutritional Facts Serves