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New York Style Pizza & Calzone Crust

Prep. Time: 2:00
Serves: 16

1 1/2 cups 110 degree water
2 1/2 tsp. granulated sugar
2 1/2 tsp. salt
1 Tbls. olive oil
4 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp. active dry yeast
1/2 cup cornmeal
sauce, cheese, and toppings of your choice

-In a large bowl, dissolve sugar and salt in water.
-Add oil and flour to bowl and stir with heavy spoon for 1 minute.
-Turn dough out onto a lightly floured surface and press into a circle.
-Sprinkle yeast evenly over dough and knead for 12 minutes.
-Divide dough into 2 equal-sized portions for pizza OR 4 equal-sized portions for calzones and roll each portion into a ball. (see Notes, below)
-Place dough balls in a bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and allow to rise for 1 1/2 hours in a warm location.
-Place a dough ball on a lightly floured surface and sprinkle a light coating of flour on top.
-Working from the edges to the center, press dough into a 12" circle.
-Preheat a pizza stone in a 500 degree oven for 1 hour.
-Coat a large board with cornmeal and place the dough onto the cornmeal.
-Spread sauce over crust and top with cheese and desired toppings.
-For calzones, fold crust over itself in half.
-Gently shake the cutting board, assuring it isn't sticking to the board.
-Slide the pizza/calzone from the cutting board directly onto the stone in the oven.
-Bake in a 500 degree oven for 20-25 minutes, until crust is golden.

Notes: Before allowing the dough to rise, you may place it in a sealable plastic bag and freeze. When ready to use, thaw at room temperature, then proceed with instructions.