When you add cornmeal to pizza crust, it gives the dough a little heft, as well as an earthy taste and texture. This crust will hold up under multiple toppings.
Ingredients:
1 cup warm water (about 110 degrees Fahrenheit)
1 1/2 tsp active dry yeast
1/2 tsp honey
2 tbls extra-virgin olive oil
1 cup stone-ground whole-wheat flour
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup bread flour
1/4 cup coarse Floriani cornmeal
1 tsp salt
Instructions:
1. Whisk together the warm water, yeast and honey in a large bowl. Set aside for 10 minutes to activate the yeast. When the surface appears foamy, add the olive oil and stir.
2. In a separate bowl, stir together the flours, cornmeal and salt. Add to the liquid, blending with a wooden spoon until a ball forms.
3. Turn out the dough onto a lightly floured work surface. Knead the dough for 5 to 10 minutes, adding only as much additional flour as needed to keep it from sticking. When the dough is soft and pliable, place in an oiled bowl and flip once to coat all sides. Cover with plastic wrap and set in a warm spot to rise until doubled or tripled in size, about 1 1/2 to 2 hours.
4. After the rise is complete, cut dough in half (or quarters), placing unused portions in plastic bags. Refrigerate if you plan to use within two days; otherwise, freeze.
5. Preheat oven to 450 degrees Fahrenheit. Place a pizza stone or cast-iron pizza pan in the oven to preheat.
6. Roll out the dough into a thin round. After your baking vessel is preheated, place the crust on it and assemble toppings. Bake for 15 minutes, or until browned and bubbling. Makes 2 large crusts or 4 individual crusts.