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1
In a large bowl, mix together the yeast, 1 teaspoon sugar, and 1/2 cup of warm water.
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2
Let the mixture stand until the yeast begins to bubble and form a layer of creamy foam on top, about 15 minutes.
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3
Stir in 2 more cups of warm water, olive oil, 1 tablespoon salt, garlic powder, and about 2 cups of flour.
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4
Mix together to form a loose batter, and begin beating in flour, about 1/2 cup at a time, until the dough is slightly sticky but not wet, about 3 more cups.
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5
Turn the dough out onto a floured surface, and knead until smooth and elastic, about 10 minutes.
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6
Form the dough into a ball, place into an oiled bowl, cover with a cloth, and let rise in a warm place until double, about 30 minutes.
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7
Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a saucepan over medium-low heat, and stir in the oregano.
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8
Let the oregano fry in the butter for a few seconds, then whisk in the ricotta cheese until the mixture makes a smooth paste.
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9
Whisk in the tomato puree, onion powder, 1 pinch garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of salt, black pepper, and 1 teaspoon sugar until the sauce is smooth.
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10
Bring the sauce to a boil, stirring occasionally, cover, and remove from heat.
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11
Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
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12
Coat 3 12-inch pizza pans with about 1/2 teaspoon olive oil apiece.
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13
Place the sausage into a skillet over medium heat and sprinkle with 1 pinch dried oregano and 1 pinch crushed red pepper flakes, if desired.
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14
Brown the sausage, breaking it into small chunks as it cooks, until the sausage is no longer pink, about 10 minutes.
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15
Set the sausage aside.
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16
Place the dough on a floured surface, punch down the dough, and cut it into 3 equal pieces.
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17
Roll a dough piece out to the size of a prepared pizza pan, and place the dough on the pan.
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18
Stretch the edges of the dough a little beyond the pan, and fold the excess dough over to make a thicker edge.
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19
Press the folded dough together to seal.
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20
Repeat for the other 2 crusts.
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21
Bake the crusts in the preheated oven for about 15 minutes, then remove from oven and brush each crust with about 1/2 teaspoon melted butter (see Notes for details).
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22
Using a large spoon, spread a layer of sauce over each crust.
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23
Sprinkle with pizza cheese blend, dot pieces of browned sausage evenly over the cheese, spread pepperoni slices over the pizzas, and sprinkle each pizza with about 1/4 teaspoon of crushed red pepper.
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24
Shake 1 or more dashes of hot sauce over each pizza.
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25
Return the pizzas to the oven, and bake until the cheese is melted, bubbling, and beginning to brown, 15 to 20 more minutes.
