Now, let’s roll up our sleeves and dive into the process. Making dough from scratch is a tactile experience, one that connects you to the food and the joy of creating something from simple ingredients.

1. In a small bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Stir gently and let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes frothy. This step reminds me of watching my abuela make her famous masa, the yeast always a magical ingredient that brought everything to life.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Make a well in the center and add the yeast mixture along with the olive oil.
3. Mix the ingredients together until a dough forms. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour, one tablespoon at a time.
4. Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead it for about 8-10 minutes, until it becomes smooth and elastic. This is where the dough transforms, much like the tortillas I used to make — a labor of love.
5. Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 to 1.5 hours, or until it doubles in size.
6. Once risen, punch down the dough to release the air, then roll it out on a floured surface to your desired thickness.
7. Your dough is now ready to be adorned with your favorite toppings and baked to perfection!