2 tbsp. yellow cornmeal (optional)
2 1/2 c. reg. flour
1 packet (1/4 oz.) dry yeast
1 tsp. salt
1 c. very warm water (120-130 degrees)
2 tbsp. shortening

Place a baking sheet on middle rack of oven. Preheat oven to 400°F. Generously grease two 12-inch round pizza pans. Sprinkle each pan with cornmeal, if desired.

Step 1: In a medium bowl, stir together 1 cup of the flour, yeast and salt until well blended.

Step 2: Add very warm water and shortening. Mix by hand until almost smooth.

Step 3: Gradually stir in remaining 1 1/2 cups flour to make a firm dough. Cover; let rest for 15 minutes.

Step. 4: Divide dough in half. With well-floured fingers, press half of dough into each pizza pan. Generously prick dough with fork.

Place one pizza pan on preheated sheet. Prebake for 10 to 12 minutes or just until edges of crust begin to turn a light golden brown. Remove from oven. Bake second crust on hot baking sheet.

Add desired toppings and bake on a hot baking sheet in a 400°F oven for 15 minutes or until golden brown.

Variations for basic pizza crust:

Whole Wheat Pizza Crust: In Step 1, substitute 1 cup whole wheat flour in place of regular flour. In Step 2, increase water to 1 1/4 cups. In Step 3, use 3/4 cup whole wheat flour and 3/4 cup regular flour.

Cheese Pizza Crust: In Step 1, decrease salt to 1/2 teaspoon. Add 1/4 teaspoon of pepper. In Step 2, decrease shortening to 1 tablespoon. In Step 3, use only 1 1/4 cups regular flour and stir in with 1/2 cup shredded Cheddar cheese.

Herb Pizza Crust: In Step 1, add 2 teaspoons dried Italian herb seasoning. In Step 2, stir 1 clove garlic, minced, into warm water.