Pizza Dough

In a large bowl, gently stir the yeast into the warm water. Add olive oil (optional). In a mixer with a dough hook attachment, blend the salt and flour together. Slowly add the water mixture to the flour and knead until all is used, about five to seven minutes. Dough should be slightly sticky.

Move the dough from the bowl onto a floured surface and divide it into three equal pieces. Fashion the pieces into round dough balls and place on a sheet pan lined with lightly floured parchment paper. Cover with a damp towel and let sit at room temperature until double in size - about 1 1/2 to 2 hours.

Preheat oven to 425 for 15 minutes, with the pizza stone on a rack in the middle of the oven.