Pizza Base

Description:


This is the third challenge for the Dare to Bake Club. The source of the pizza base recipe is from The Perfect Cookbook by David Herbert (Viking, Victoria, Australia. 2003)

Just click here to see the pictorial step by step directions and some surprises behind the making of this challenge.

Ingredients:
1 sachet (@ 7g = 1/4 oz = 2 tsp) dry yeast
1 tsp sugar
2 ½ cups bread flour (high-grade flour, tepung cakra kembar)
salt
2 Tbs olive oil


Directions:
Dissolve the yeast and sugar in a small bowl with 200ml (6 ½ fl oz) of tepid water. Stir well and set aside for 10 minutes, or until the mixture froths.

Place the flour and a pinch of salt in a large mixing bowl. Make a well in the centre and add the yeast mixture and olive oil. Mix until a firm dough forms.

Knead on a lightly floured surface for 5-7 minutes, or until smooth and elastic. Place in a clean, lightly oiled bowl, cover with a cloth or plastic wrap and leave in a warm place for 1-1 ½ hours, or until the dough has doubled in size.

Preheat the oven to 210C (415F, Gas Mark 6-7).

Punch down the dough with your fist to release the air. Divide into two or three equal portions and roll out or press to a thickness of 4-5mm (¼ in). Transfer to lightly oiled pizza trays.

Top with your choice of toppings and cook for 15 minutes. Then slide the pizza off the tray onto the oven shelf and cook for a further 3-4 minutes, to crisp up the base.