DEEP DISH PIZZA CRUST AND THIN CRUST PIZZAS

FOR THE CRUST:
1 cup water
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 package active dry yeast
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 ounce freshly grated Parmesan cheese (see TIPS)
1 teaspoon sugar
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon dried basil
Olive oil
Cornmeal
FOR THE SAUCE:
1 1/2 to 2 cups prepared pizza, Alfredo, barbecue, or other favorite sauce
FOR THE TOPPINGS:
3 cups cooked sausage or ground beef, sliced pepperoni, Canadian bacon, ham, shrimp, cooked chicken, roasted peppers, fresh mushrooms, olives, onion, roasted garlic, fresh basil leaves, tomato slices, artichoke hearts, capers, or other favorite topping
1 pound shredded mozzarella, provolone, Cheddar, Parmesan, or other favorite cheese

In small saucepan, add water and 2 tablespoons oil. Heat over low heat until warm, 105 to 115 degrees F. Stir in yeast to dissolve. Set aside.

Position dough blade in work bowl. Add flour, Parmesan cheese, sugar, salt, and basil. Process about 5 seconds; scrape sides of bowl. Process until mixed, about 5 seconds, scraping sides of bowl if necessary.

With processor running, slowly add yeast mixture. Process 1 1/2 to 2 minutes; dough will form a ball. Remove dough to greased bowl, turning dough to grease all sides. Cover; let rise in warm place until double in size, about 45 to 60 minutes.

Grease 14-inch (1 1/2 inches deep) pizza pan with olive oil; sprinkle with cornmeal. Punch dough down; pat into large circle. Press into bottom and up sides of pan. Top as desired with sauce, meat and/or vegetables, and cheese.

Bake in a 400 degree F oven for 5 minutes. Reduce heat to 350 degrees F and bake for 28 to 33 minutes, or until crust is deep golden brown and cheese is bubbly. Let stand 15 minutes before cutting.

VARIATION

THIN CRUST PIZZAS

Prepare dough as directed above and let rise. Grease 2 (12-inch) pizza pans with olive oil; sprinkle with cornmeal. Punch dough down; divide into 2 balls. Pat into 12-inch circles, and press onto bottom and sides of pans. Bake at 425 degrees F for 8 minutes.

Top each crust as desired with about 1 cup sauce, 1 1/2 cups meat and/or vegetables, and 8 ounces cheese. Bake at 425 degrees F for 15 to 20 minutes, or until crust is deep golden brown and cheese is bubbly. If baking both pizzas in one oven, switch racks halfway through baking.

Yield: 8 servings
Source: KitchenAid (Model KFP750) 12 cup food processor manual