Step 1

Add yeast to a mixing bowl and pour the 1 cup of hot tap water over it and mix.

Step 2

Add the remaining ingredients and let the mixer run at medium speed until the dough clears the side of the bowl (you can do this by hand: beat vigorously for 30 strokes).

Step 3

Let dough rest in the bowl 15-20 minutes while you preheat the oven and prep the toppings.

Step 4

On a large baking sheet or pizza pan/stone, sprinkle a bit of cornmeal. With oiled hands, remove the dough from the bowl and pull/shape into a general rectangle or circle (depending on your pan), then lay it on top of your cornmeal coated pan. Using a rolling pin or your hands, flatten and stretch the dough to fill the pan.

Step 5

Bake the dough for 10 minutes in a 425 degree oven (you don't have to, but it ensures a fully cooked center crust, no matter how many toppings you add).

Step 6

Remove prebaked crust from the oven and spread with your toppings: sauce, shredded cheese, cooked meat and chopped vegetables.

Step 7

Place topped pizza back into oven and bake for 10-15 minutes more, or until cheese is melted and toppings are browned.

Step 8

Slide the whole pizza from the pan to a cutting board and slice into pieces.