Step 1.  Cover a large cookie sheet with parchment paper.

Step 2.  Add 1/2 cup warm water to a large bowl and mix in sugar until dissolved.  Gently mix in ginger and yeast and cover the bowl with a towel.  After 7-10 minutes, the mixture should be frothy with small bubbles.  If it is not frothy, then the yeast is dead and you need to start over with fresh yeast.

Step 3.  As you are waiting for the yeast to proof, you can mix together all of the dry ingredients.  Sift all dry ingredients together into a medium-sized bowl.

Step 4.  Add remaining 1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons warm water and olive oil to the yeast mixture and stir to combine.

Step 5.  Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet and stir with a wooden spoon or dough hooks until fully combined. 

Step 6.  The dough should be sticky and rather wet.  If it is too dry to knead, then add a little more water.  Knead the dough for 3 minutes.

Step 7.  Form the dough into a ball and place it on the parchment-covered cookie sheet.  Press down on the dough with your fingers and the heels of your hands and form it into a large circular crust.  It should be about 11 inches wide. 

Step 8.  Pre-heat the oven for 2 minutes until the temperature reaches 100-110 degrees F.  Place the crust in the warm oven and allow it to rise for 45 minutes.

Step 9.  Remove from the oven and pre-heat the oven to 375 degrees F. 

Step 10.  Brush the crust with melted butter and bake for 12-15 minutes until the crust is firm and just beginning to brown.

Step 11.  Remove the crust from the oven and turn the heat up to 450 degrees F.

Step 12.  Top your pizza with whatever you like and then pop it back into the 450-degree oven for another 6-8 minutes until the crust has browned and the cheese has melted.

Step 13.  Allow the pizza to cool on the pan for 10 minutes before cutting into 8 slices.