Homemade Pizza Dough - cooking recipe

Ingredients

2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon sugar
2 tablespoons oil (I use olive oil)
1 tablespoon instant yeast (or 1 packet regular yeast)
1 cup water
6 tablespoons olive oil, for oiling the pans
3 teaspoons cornmeal

Preparation

Mix all dry ingredients together. Mix well. Add oil and water. Mix until flour is well incorporated. Knead 8 or 10 times. Dough should only be slightly sticky. If necessary, add a few more tablespoons flour. Let rest 15-20 minutes so dough can relax. If I have time I let the dough rise for 1-2 hours, then punch down and form into pizza crusts. This helps develop a better flavor, but the dough is still very good if it is used after the short rest period.
Use a small portion of dough - appropriate for the size of pan you are using to bake the pizza. (One third of the dough if using 8 inch pans) Place dough on a counter, table, or breadboard. Gently press on it, using the tips or your fingers or the palms of your hand, to flatten and stretch the dough. Let dough rest for 2-5 minutes when the dough doesn't seem to want to stretch anymore. This will allow it to rest and relax, and then it will stretch again. Continue pressing the dough out until it is the size needed for the pizza pan. I do not use a rolling pin as this alters the texture of the dough.
Drizzle a small amount of olive oil on your pizza pan. Spread oil evenly. Sprinkle each pan with one tsp cornmeal. Place stretched-out dough in pan. (I use a cast iron skillet and our pizza turns out like Pizza Hut pan pizza.).
Top with sauce, toppings, and cheese. Let pizza set for about 15 minutes to allow dough to rise.
Bake at 450 degrees for 15-20 minutes, until dough is golden and cheese is starting to brown. Baking time varies depending on the type and size of pan you are using.