The Faster Than Ever Pizza

This recipe is from a cook booklet that came with my Cuisinart griddle.  It's a heavy stainless steel, round griddle with handles. 

CRUST

Mix together and set aside:
1 pkg. active dry yeast (I use instant yeast these days)
1 tsp. sugar
1/2 cup warm water (120°)

 Place in food processor bowl:
1 2/3 cups unbleached all purpose flour
3/4 tsp. salt
1 T. olive oil

Prepare the crust in the Cuisinart using the metal blade.
Process the flour, salt, olive oil and yeast mixture about 60 seconds.  Reserve.

Preheat griddle over medium heat.

On floured surface, roll the dough to fit the griddle.  Brush a little olive oil on the preheated griddle and place the dough on it.  Shape the dough to fit and crimp the edges of the crust.

Set timer for 8 minutes.  Let the crust cook for 1 minute, then cover it with the sauce, cheeses and other toppings** and let cook for the remainder of the 8 minutes.  Check the underside of the pizza crust occasionally to be sure it's not getting too brown.

When the bottom of the crust is evenly browned and the cheese has melted, slip the pizza under a preheated broiler just until lightly browned.  You can omit this step if your toppings are okay after cooking on the stove top.  Today, I prepared my sausage and pepperoni ahead of time, so I'll use the broiler to get those ingredients good and hot again.

***Toppings of your choice.  I make my own pizza sauce and then use grated mozzarella, good Parmesan cheese, browned sausage, pepperoni --- whatever you like on your pizza.

You can use prepared pizza sauce or make your own.  I like to take a small can of tomato sauce, add Italian seasonings, oregano, paprika and garlic.  Then I heat it up in the microwave.  Spread it evenly on the pizza crust before adding your other toppings.