Italian Thin Crust Pizza

3 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 teaspoons dry yeast -- active or rapid
1/4 teaspoon salt -- to 1/2 teaspoon
1/2 teaspoon sugar -- (optional)
1 tablespoon olive oil -- or vegetable oil
1 cup warm water

Mix together flour and dry ingredients (salt, sugar and dry yeast) in a large
bowl and make a well in the center.

Mix together lukewarm water and oil and pour into the well.

Knead ingredients together by hand for 5 to 10 minutes until a soft, smooth
dough is formed.

Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a kitchen towel and place in a
warm draft-free location for about an hour after kneading.

Punch down dough. Roll dough into a large, thin circle or rectangle and place
on a greased pizza pan or baking sheet.

Cover with toppings and bake in a preheated 500F oven until golden brown, about
5 to 10 minutes.


Makes 1 pizza crust.