Pizza Dough

I can not take credit for this recipe, but I will say that I have tried different versions of dough....and I like this one the best...I use it for pizza, and calzones.
1/4 cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil
1 1/4 tsp Yeast
4 1/2 cups Flour (I use Gold Medal bread flour)
1 1/2 tsp Salt
1 3/4 Water
Mix the water and the yeast in a large bowl. Let the yeast dissolve. Some swear by "proofing" the yeast, which means you "feed" it sugar to make sure it is active. I have never done this and still get a very good rise, and final product. Once the yeast is dissolved, and the Olive Oil, and one cup at a time of flour. In the first cup of flour that you pour in, mix the salt. The first three cups are basically just a goopy mess, once you get to the fourth cup, the dough should be coming together. If your bowl is big enough, knead the dough until it you can get it into a smooth ball. Might take more than the 4 1/2 cups, but don't over do it....you will need more flour once it has risen to work the dough....
Put the kneaded dough in an oil covered bowl, and also rub the top wit some oil. Cover with Saran Wrap, and set in a nice warm spot to rise....

I let rise at least three hours, it needs to be doubled in size.
Once the dough has doubled in size, turn it out onto a floured work surface to release all of the air. Roll out to the thickness you like, and put in an oiled pan. I put my ingredients on, and let rise one more time in the pan before I put it in the oven.
Your oven should be preheated to 475 degrees. High temperature makes a crisper crust. If you like a thick crust, turn temp down to 450, or 425 that way you do not burn the bottom!
I leave the toppings up to you. I usually do one with red sauce, cheese (mozzarella and provolone, Parmesan), pepperoni, salami, olives...and so on.
My daughter does not like red sauce, so I make her a white pizza. Take Ricotta cheese, mix with some crushed garlic, fresh chopped parsley, and some salt and pepper. Put olive oil on the crust top with the ricotta mixture (sparingly) and then top with cheese, a little more olive oil and parsley.

Another good one is broccoli.....yes broccoli!! Saute in olive oil, garlic and some red pepper flakes. Oil a rolled out crust, and put the broccoli mixture on top. Top with Parmesan cheese, and put a thin crust on top, almost making a pie. Put a couple of slits in the top so hot air can escape....so good!!