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1
Combine the dry yeast, sugar and WARM not hot tap water in a small bowl.
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2
Stir to combine and let sit for about 15 minutes.
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3
If the water is too hot it will kill the yeast and if it is too cold the yeast will not activate.
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4
When ready the yeast will look bubbly on top and smell very yeasty.
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5
Combine the flour and salt in a large mixing bowl.
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6
Make a well in the center of the flour and add the olive oil and the yeast mixture.
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7
Using a fork, gradually stir the flour into the liquids until combined.
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8
Turn the dough out onto a smooth clean work surface and use your hands to knead the dough to a smooth homogeneous consistency.
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9
Lightly coat the mixing bowl with olive oil, and return the kneaded dough to the bowl.
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10
Cover with plastic wrap and put in a warm place until the dough has doubled in size, about 1 hour.
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11
Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F, and preheat the grill.
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12
For the topping:
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13
Add 2 tablespoons olive oil, the smashed garlic cloves, crushed red pepper and pancetta to a large saute pan over medium heat.
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14
Cook the pancetta slowly until it gets brown and crispy.
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15
Once the garlic has become golden brown remove it and discard.
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16
Turn the heat up to high and add the mushrooms.
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17
Season with salt and saute until the mushrooms are soft and wilted, about 5 minutes.
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18
Reserve.
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19
Portion the prepared dough into golf ball-size pieces.
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20
Dust a work surface with flour and roll each piece of dough into a rectangle (or whatever shape you like, I like irregular shapes).
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21
If not using the dough right away, wrap each piece individually in plastic and reserve until ready to use.
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22
Brush the preheated grill with oil to remove any crud.
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23
Carefully arrange each piece of dough on the grill and grill on both sides until the dough is stiff and crisp and has grill marks on both sides.
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24
That little bit of char adds a DELICIOUS flavor!
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25
Schmear each piece with stracchino, top with the pancetta/mushroom mixture, and sprinkle with Parmesan.
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26
Put the pizza in the preheated oven until the cheese has melted, about 5 to 7 minutes.
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27
Remove from the oven, sprinkle with chives and drizzle with the aged balsamic, if desired.
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28
Mamma mia, what pizza!
