Blend yeast, 1 Tbsp. flour and 1/4 cup warm water in a large bowl.

Let stand for about 5 minutes, until the surface looks slightly creamy.

Add 1-1/4 cups flour, 1/2 cup warm water, salt and oil.

Stir until smooth.

Add in enough more flour (1/4 to 1/2 cup) for dough to start to pull away from the sides of the bowl (it will be somewhat wet).

On a floured surface (wooden is best), knead the dough until smooth, soft and elastic for 10 minutes.

Add more flour dusting to surface if dough becomes too sticky.

Form dough into a ball, put in a dusted bowl, dust the top of the dough with flour and cover with plastic wrap or (non-terry cloth) kitchen towel.

Let dough rise in a draft-free, warm room until doubled in size, 1-1/4 hours.