Basic Pizza Dough

I've had a request for an Italian pizza dough recipe. I have not tried it, but here it is anyway:

2 1/2 tbsp fresh bread yeast or 1 1/2 tbsp active dried yeast
1 c lukewarm water
pinch of sugar
1 tsp salt
3 - 3 1/2 c plain flour, preferable strong

Serves 4 as a main course or 8 as an appetizer

1. Warm a medium mixing bowl by swirling some hot water in it. Drain. Add yeast and warm water. Stir in sugar, mix, allow to stand for 5 - 10 min.

2. Mix in salt and 1/3 of flour. Mix in another 1/3 of flour.

3. Sprinkle some of the remaining flour onto a smooth surface. Remove dough and knead, working remaining flour in a little at a time. Knead for 8 - 10 minutes. Form into a ball.

4. Lightly oil a mixing bowl. Place dough in bowl and stretch a damp towel over top. Leave to stand in a warm place until dough has doubled in size, about 40 min.

5. Punch the dough to release air.

6. Pat the ball of dough out into a flat circle on a lightly floured surface. Roll out to a thickness of 3/8 inch. Roll out to size of pizza pan.

7. Place in lightly oiled pan, folding edges to make thicker edges.

This dough can be used for focaccia, breadsticks, and calzones. The dough may be frozen as well.