Step 1

In a bowl add the sugar, ½ cup of warm water and one packet of active dry yeast and stir. This can be done right in the base of a stand mixer or in a separate bowl. The water you use should be warm to the touch, but not super hot or you may kill the yeast.

Step 2

Allow the yeast to set for 10 minutes. This is called proofing, and allows the yeast to begin to grow and expand. Your mixture should turn frothy looking on top, and should smell a bit earthy. If the yeast doesn’t have frothy bubbles on the top after 10 minutes, you may need to try again with new yeast.

Step 3

Mix together the flour, salt and Italian seasoning blend (optional) until combined. Add the flour mixture to the yeast mixture. Add 3 tablespoons of the olive oil and an additional ½ cup of warm water on top to the dough mixture.

Step 4

Start the mixer or food processor with the dough attachment. Mix until the flour combines, about a minute. Turn the speed up on the mixer to medium high and mix for a full five minutes. The dough should pull away from the bowl and be stretchy when you are done. See notes if mixing by hand.

Step 5

Add a tablespoon of olive oil to a heatproof bowl. With a silicone brush, brush the oil in a thin layer all over the inside of the bowl. Transfer the dough to the bowl and cover with a clean kitchen towel. Place the dough in a warm place near the stove as it warms up, and allow it to rise for 30 minutes.

Step 6

Add a light handful of flour to a clean surfacem your rolling pin, and a sprinkle of flour to the dough. Kneed the dough just a few times by gently stretching the dough, folding it in half and then digging the heels of your hand into the dough. Just a couple of quick kneads will help you start stretching the dough and adding flour if it is too sticky. Then start rolling and streching the dough to use with your favorite recipe.

Step 7

Preheat the oven to 450 degrees. Oil the pan or add a handful of cornmeal evenly to the pan for a crunchy bottom that doesn't stick to the pan.

Step 8

With your hands or a floured rolling pin, begin to stretch the dough. Keep stretching the dough until it is about 12 inches across. If a hole develops you can pinch the dough back together, or even reroll it into a ball and try to stretch the dough again until you have a 12 inch wide circle.

Step 9

Cover with toppings then bake for 10-12 minutes or until the pizza is golden brown on the outside and fully cooked in the center.