Pepperoni pizza

I have tried different recipes and have not yet totally succeeded. The pizza bread tastes alright, not as crispy as I expected. However, I find this recipe is simple and pretty good. Proof is my friends had been making tons of delicious pizzas using this recipe. I shall try it again. Meanwhile, here is what you need (special thanks to Pink Giraffe and Uyen)

Pizza dough (make two 10-inch pizza)

1 1/2 teaspoons active dry yeast
Pinch of sugar
1/4 cup lukewarm water (110F)
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 cup water

1. In a bowl, whisk together the yeast + sugar + lukewarm water + 1/4 cup of the flour. Let proof for 10 minutes.

2. Add the remaining 1 3/4 cups flour + salt + olive oil + water and mix well with a wooden spoon.

3. Turn out onto a work surface and knead until smooth and elastic (7-10 minutes). The dough should feel moist to the touch (see photos for the journey of kneading)

4. Place the dough in a oiled bowl, turning once to coat with oil. Cover with plastic wrap and let rise in a warm place (75F) until doubled in volume (2 - 2 1/2 hours)

Note:

1. If you are using a mixer, knead the dough with a dough hook for 5-7 minutes.

2. If you are using a food processor, process the dough for 1 minute.

Tomato sauce:

2 tablespoons tomato paste
2 tablespoons water
1/2 teaspoon garlic
1 teaspoon sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
Italian seasoning

Put all the ingredients in a bowl and mix well.

Topping:

7oz Mozzarella cheese
7oz Parmesan cheese
1.7oz sliced pepperoni
1/4 teaspoon dry oregano

Baking the pizza:

1. Place the baking tray in the lowest rack in the oven, and preheat it to 500 - 550F.

2. Punch the dough and knead for a few more minutes.

3.Divide the dough into 2 pieces, and make it into a ball.

4. Let the dough rest for about 10 minutes.

5. Roll the dough out into a 10-inch circle (or depending on your preference of thickness).

6. Transfer to a pizza peel.

7. Spread about 3/4 cup of tomato sauce onto the dough within 1/2 inch of the edge.

8. Spread the cheese and the topping

9. Transfer the dough from the peel onto a heated baking tray and bake for about 8-10 minutes (until the cheese melt).

10. Cool on baking rack for a few minutes before serving.