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1
Mix together the yeast, sugar, water and olive oil in a small bowl or measuring cup until the yeast is completely dissolved.
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2
Let stand for a few minutes.
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3
Place 2 3/4 cups flour and the salt in a food processor fitted with a steel blade.
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4
Pulse once or twice.
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5
With with the machine running, pour in the yeast mixture.
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6
Process until the dough forms a ball on the blades.
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7
Remove from the processor, and knead on a lightly floured surface for a couple of minutes, adding flour as necessary for a smooth dough.
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8
Transfer the dough to a clean, lightly oiled bowl, rounded side down first, then rounded side up.
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9
Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap, and leave it in a warm spot to rise for one hour.
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10
The dough will have nearly doubled in bulk and will stretch as it is gently pulled.
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11
Divide the dough into two equal balls.
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12
Roll each ball around on your work surface under the palm of your hand until the ball feels smooth and firm, about one minute.
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13
If the dough is sticky, brush the work surface with a little bit of olive oil.
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14
Put the dough on a lightly oiled baking sheet, cover with pan-sprayed plastic wrap or a damp towel, and leave to rest for 15 to 20 minutes.
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15
Place a pizza stone, if you have one, on the middle rack of the oven.
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16
Preheat the oven to 450 degrees.
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17
Lightly oil a 12 to 14-inch pizza pan, and dust with semolina or fine cornmeal.
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18
Roll or press out the dough to fit the pizza pan, and line it.
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19
With your fingers, form a slightly thicker raised rim around edge of the circle.
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20
Brush everything but the rim with one teaspoon olive oil.
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21
Use a rubber spatula to spread the tomato sauce over the pizza in an even layer.
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22
Top with thin slices of mozzarella.
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23
Arrange any of the additional toppings on top.
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24
Drizzle the pizza with a tablespoon of olive oil.
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25
Place the pizza pan on the stone in the hot oven.
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26
Bake 10 to 12 minutes, until the crust is brown and the cheese bubbling and lightly browned in spots.
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27
Remove from the heat, cut into wedges (I use kitchen scissors for this) and serve.
