Directions

Dissolve yeast in to water in mixing bowl. When it gets foamy, in about 5 minutes, add the bit of honey, salt, oil, shortening, and mix together. Add flour and cornmeal, and knead by hand or by machine until dough feels well put together, and rebounds a bit when pushed... About 3 min in a machine, and 5 min by hand.

Set dough aside in a covered bowl to rise until doubled, about one hour.

Strain can of tomato, crushing with your hands and attempting to push out as much liquid as possible. Set aside in a colander to drain while the dough rises.

Preheat oven to 420ºF.

Transfer risen dough in to a cast iron skillet, 14 inches. Use your hands to push the dough evenly, covering the entire bottom and sides of skillet. Until you get the hang of it, you might need the entire amount of dough. Once you are more experienced, you can use less dough, or even use this amount for a 'covered' stuffed pie.

Layer provolone cheese on the bottom of dough, covering it and the sides nearly entirely. Add additional cheeses if you so desire. Sprinkle crushed or chopped garlic on top of cheese.

Add any additional toppings.

Spread your strained tomato on top.

Bake 20 minutes, turn skillet 180º and bake 20 minutes more.

Ta da.

Options include using blue cornmeal, adding fresh herbs, different cheeses, and of course, toppings. Some of my favorites are roasted garlic, broccoli, spinach, sauteed mushrooms...

A traditional Chicago style topping of sausage is actually an entire layer of ground sausage. Imagine a sausage patty the size of your pie- got it?