Basic pizza crust: make some ahead of time and freeze until needed.

Basic Pizza Dough

1 (1/4-ounce) package active dry yeast or 2 1/2 teaspoons active dry yeast
1 cup warm water
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 teaspoon salt
3 cups all-purpose flour, divided use

1. Dissolve yeast in warm water (105° to 115°F / 40°C to 45°C); stir in oil and salt. Beat with an electric mixer at low speed for 1 minute, scraping the sides of the bowl often. Continue beating for another 3 minutes at high speed.
2. Fold in 2 1/2 cups flour.
3. Dust a work surface with flour and knead in enough remaining flour to make a moderately stiff dough that is smooth and elastic, 6 to 8 minutes.
4. Grease a bowl and top of dough. Cover and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled.
5. Coat pizza pan with a dab of oil or cornmeal to prevent crust from sticking. Punch down and spread dough into pizza pan.
6. Add toppings and bake according to pizza recipe directions.

Makes 8 servings.