**Title: Authentic New York-Style Pizza: A Step-by-Step Guide to Thin-Crust Perfection**

**Introduction:**

Embark on a culinary journey to create an Authentic New York-Style Pizza with this step-by-step guide. Revel in the art of crafting a thin, foldable crust topped with rich tomato sauce and gooey mozzarella. Let's dive into the world of New York pizza-making.

**Ingredients:**

*For the Dough:*

- 3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour

- 1 teaspoon sugar

- 1 teaspoon salt

- 1 1/3 cups lukewarm water

- 1 tablespoon active dry yeast

- 2 tablespoons olive oil

*For the Sauce:*

- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes

- 2 cloves garlic, minced

- 1 teaspoon dried oregano

- 1 teaspoon dried basil

- Salt and pepper to taste

*For the Toppings:*

- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

- Additional toppings of your choice (pepperoni, sausage, mushrooms, etc.)

**Instructions:**

**1. Prepare the Dough:**

   - In a bowl, combine lukewarm water, sugar, and active dry yeast. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.

   - In a large mixing bowl, combine flour and salt. Make a well in the center and pour in the yeast mixture and olive oil.

   - Mix until a dough forms, then knead on a floured surface for about 8-10 minutes until smooth.

   - Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours, or until doubled in size.

**2. Preheat the Oven:**

   - Preheat your oven to the highest setting (usually around 500°F or 260°C) with a pizza stone inside if you have one.

**3. Make the Sauce:**

   - In a saucepan, combine crushed tomatoes, minced garlic, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Simmer over low heat for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Adjust seasoning to taste.

**4. Divide and Shape the Dough:**

   - Divide the risen dough into two equal portions. On a floured surface, shape each portion into a round ball.

   - Roll out each ball into a thin, 12-inch circle, ensuring the edges are slightly thicker to form the classic New York crust.

**5. Assemble the Pizza:**

   - Carefully transfer the rolled-out dough onto a pizza peel or an inverted baking sheet dusted with flour or cornmeal.

   - Spread a thin layer of the prepared tomato sauce over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.

   - Sprinkle a generous amount of shredded mozzarella over the sauce and add your desired toppings.

**6. Bake the Pizza:**

   - If using a pizza stone, transfer the pizza directly onto the preheated stone in the oven. If not, simply place the baking sheet in the oven.

   - Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned.

**7. Cool and Slice:**

   - Allow the pizza to cool for a few minutes before slicing. The New York-style pizza is traditionally sliced into large, foldable slices.

**8. Serve and Enjoy:**

   - Serve your homemade New York-Style Pizza hot, savoring the thin crust, flavorful sauce, and gooey cheese.

**Optional Tips:**

- **Flour for Rolling:** Use semolina flour or cornmeal for dusting the surface when rolling out the dough to prevent sticking.

- **High-Quality Cheese:** Opt for high-quality, whole milk mozzarella for the best melting and flavor.

- **Herb Infusion:** Brush the crust with garlic-infused olive oil or sprinkle chopped fresh basil on top before serving.

- **Experiment with Toppings:** Feel free to get creative with your favorite toppings to personalize your New York-style pizza experience.

**Conclusion:**

You've successfully crafted an Authentic New York-Style Pizza, complete with a thin, foldable crust and classic toppings. Whether shared with friends or savored solo, this culinary creation brings the essence of New York pizzerias to your kitchen. So, enjoy the unmistakable flavor and texture of this iconic pizza style!