Recipe: Basic Pizza Dough (using whole wheat flour and herbs)

BASIC PIZZA DOUGH

"Any pizza can be made using a store-bought crust, but if you have time, try this healthy, basic dough. Use as is, or customize with different fresh herbs."

1/4 active dry yeast (package)
1 1/2 cups warm water
1 1/2 cups whole-wheat flour
2 cups all-purpose flour, divided use
1 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon freshly chopped herbs (optional)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup

TO PREPARE THE PIZZA DOUGH:
Dissolve yeast in warm water. Let sit 5 minutes.

Lightly spoon whole-wheat flour into a dry measuring cup and level with a knife. Mix with 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, salt, and freshly chopped herbs, if using. Add yeast mixture, oil, and honey or maple syrup and mix well.

Place dough on a floured surface. Knead until smooth and elastic, about 10 minutes. Add enough all-purpose flour, 1 tablespoon at a time, to prevent dough from sticking to hands. Place dough in a bowl coated with oil or cooking spray and turn to coat. Cover and let rise for 45 minutes or until double in size.

(To make this dough in advance, prepare to this point, then punch down, place in a gallon-size zip-top bag, and refrigerate up to five days.)

TO MAKE THE PIZZAS:
Punch dough down and let rest for 5 minutes. Divide into two balls. Shape, top as desired.

Bake in a preheated 400 degrees F oven for 20 minutes.

Makes two 12-inch crusts (16 slices)
Source: Mama mia... Healthy Pizza, article by Melissa B. Scott in Delicious Living Magazine, May 2004