Pittsburgh Hot Plate

Ingredients:

• Warm Water- 3 cups
• Yeast – 2 packets dry active, rapid rise yeast
• Honey- 1/8 cup
• Sugar- 1/8 cup
• Olive Oil- 3 Tablespoons
• Salt- 2 Tablespoons
• Flour- 8 cups

This recipe should be made in a mixer with a dough hook, not by hand.

First, fill the mixing bowl with warm water. Next, add the yeast, honey, sugar, olive oil, and salt. Mix these ingredients together until blended, then let stand for at least 10 minutes. During this time the yeast will activate. Begin adding the flour one cup at a time. When all of the flour has been incorporated, continue to mix for an additional three minutes. At this time, the dough should be pulling away from the bowl. Place the dough ball on a floured surface, and let rise for at least 45 minutes. After the dough has risen, cut it into halves, or quarters, depending on how many pizzas you want to make. Begin working the dough with your fingers forming it into a round shape- one that will fit on a stainless steel pizza round. Place the dough on the greased pizza round, and continue to work the dough so that it reaches to all sides, then use a fork to put small holes in the dough. At this point I usually pre-cook the shell for five minutes; just until the edges become brown. Next, place sauce on the shell, the cheese and any other ingredients you want. Place in a 500 degree oven until the cheese bubbles. Cut with a pizza cutter, serve and enjoy!