Method

  1. Combine the hot water, sugar and the yeast into a large bowl and let it proof for 15 minutes or until foamy

  2. Add the oil

  3. Add 1 cup of flour and stir. Add the salt.

  4. Add the rest of the flour gradually, stirring.

  5. When the dough becomes too stiff to stir, take it out of the bowl and knead it for about 5 minutes (kids can help!), adding more flour if it is too sticky.

  6. Put the ball of dough back in the bowl. Cover it with a tea towel and let it rise for about 1 hour.

  7. Punch the dough down and divide into 4-5 portions. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. If you don’t want to make individual pizza, this same amount of dough will make 1 large pizza.

  8. Roll out each portion, shaping a crust with your fingers. Place the pizzas on 2 baking sheets.

  9. Spread pizza sauce over the crusts.

  10. Set the toppings out on the counter and let everyone add his or her own toppings and cheese.

  11. Bake in the middle of the oven for about 15-20 minutes, until the crusts are light brown.