Equipment for Preparing the Pizza

Making a tasty pizza is a step-by-step process that when followed closely, produces a professional looking dish. After the recipe is selected and all ingredients are on hand, the following equipment should be gathered:

- ...]]> A home cooked pizza fills the kitchen with a fragrant aroma and can be a nutritious and enjoyable family meal. By having the right equipment and a few tools on hand, the pizza preparation is simplified and the cook will be rewarded with consistent results. Most kitchens are already stocked with the basics but by adding a few tools designed specifically for making pizza, everyone in the family will want to try their hand at duplicating a favorite recipe. Much of the equipment used by professional pizza chefs is available to consumers and can be purchased online or through a local kitchenware shop.

Equipment for Preparing the Pizza

Making a tasty pizza is a step-by-step process that when followed closely, produces a professional looking dish. After the recipe is selected and all ingredients are on hand, the following equipment should be gathered:

- A large mixing bowl, preferably glass or stainless steel. A bowl with a fitted cover works well or the bowl may be covered with a fresh towel during the rising process.
- A clean and flat surface area is necessary to work the dough. Some chefs recommend using a large wooden cutting board while others will work directly on a countertop. The surface will be floured during the preparation and will require thorough cleaning after use.
- A pair of large tongs should be available to use when handling the pre-formed dough.
Pizza pan sizes vary according to the style of the dish and personal preference. Deep-dish pizzas require a pan with 1 – 2 inch sides and are available in round or rectangular shapes. For a thin-crust pizza, available pizza trays will accommodate an individual size of 8 inches up to 14 inch pizzas.

Pizza Ovens, Stones and Cutting Tools

Cooking pizza in a wood-burning oven produces a delicious pie with a crisp crust and soft center. A pizza stone made of ceramic or brick composites duplicates the effect without investing in an expensive wood fire oven. Either a gas or electric oven will produce good results as long as the temperature is accurate and closely monitored. Having a peel on hand, similar to a large wooden spatula, helps remove the pie from the oven to the table. Pizza cutters with serrated edges are designed to cut easily through the crust and will quickly slice the pie into the desired pieces.

Fresh Tomato Varieties that Withstand Cooking Methods

The first criterion to consider when choosing a fresh product for a recipe involves determining how long the tomato will be cooked and under what conditions. Some varieties such as plum or Roma tomatoes actually ...]]> When the tomato arrived in Italy and the stigma of this “poison fruit” disappeared, nearly every popular Italian dish soon featured its brilliant red color and juicy flavor. It’s hard to imagine pizza, pasta or meats cooked in a savory sauce without some version of the tomato in the recipe. Not all tomatoes are alike, however, and the experienced chef knows which types best complement the dish. For home-based cooks with a desire to replicate an authentic Italian meal, choosing a variety of tomato that is suited to the recipe may make a difference in the overall flavor and effect.

Fresh Tomato Varieties that Withstand Cooking Methods

The first criterion to consider when choosing a fresh product for a recipe involves determining how long the tomato will be cooked and under what conditions. Some varieties such as plum or Roma tomatoes actually improve in flavor and texture when simmered in a sauce. Beefsteak tomatoes such as the Brandywine, Big Beef and St. Pierre are large varieties that cook quickly and work well for pizza toppings and may also be used in sauces.

Tomato Buying Tips:

- Select firm but not hard fruit, never buy extremely soft tomatoes.
- Find seasonal fruit when available. Summer tomatoes are usually always preferred. If tomatoes are out of season, consider using canned varieties or buy from specialty grocers.
- The best fruit has a bright color and an earthy, fragrant aroma.
- Fresh tomatoes may continue to ripen after purchased if they’re left out at room temperature.

Tomato Cooking Tips:

- A serrated knife will improve slicing and dicing and not damage the skin.
- Avoid using aluminum cookware because it may result in an acidic taste.
- A small amount of sugar added to the sauce breaks the acidity of the tomatoes.

Buying a Quality Canned Tomato Product

The time and money spent on a good quality canned tomato product will produce superior results that greatly enhance the dish. Canned tomatoes that are soggy or packed in more water than product aren’t worth the money. Gourmet chefs often recommend the imported Italian San Marzano tomatoes that are grown in fertile volcanic soil. Other favorites include Cento plum tomatoes, RedPack and the various products made by Hunts. Canned tomatoes should be drained carefully before using. Added flavorings such as onion, garlic or seasonings are best when freshly added to the sauce.

Benefits of Using Pizza Stones

Buying a pizza stone is a good investment that provides significant benefits to the cook:

- Pizza stones offer even heat distribution so that the entire pie is cooked quickly and efficiently throughout. - Food handling both before and after cooking is easier. Ready-to-bake ...]]> Installing a brick or stone oven at home may be an ideal way to cook pizza and bread but it often requires extra space and expense and is not a practical approach. Home-based chefs can come close to achieving the crisp exterior crust and moist center of pizza cooked in a wood-burning oven by using a ceramic or earthenware pizza stone placed in a standard oven. This inexpensive addition to the kitchen brings consistent results and is a foolproof method for improving the flavor and texture of pizza, Stromboli, bread, cookies and other baked goods.

Benefits of Using Pizza Stones

Buying a pizza stone is a good investment that provides significant benefits to the cook:

- Pizza stones offer even heat distribution so that the entire pie is cooked quickly and efficiently throughout.
- Food handling both before and after cooking is easier. Ready-to-bake pizza pies can be placed directly on the stone before baking and will slide off the stone easily.
- Pizza stones produce superior results that include a crispy and flavorful crust.
- Stones also provide radiant heat that keeps the pizza warm until it is ready to be sliced.
- The stones are easy to clean, just wipe the surface after use. It also helps keep the oven clean and free from drippings.

Common Pizza Stone Materials and Care

Pizza stones replicate the effects of cooking pizza in a stone or brick oven. Standard materials include clay or terra cotta, brick or cordierite, ceramic and stone. High-endurance materials are also available for grilling at extremely high temperatures. Typically available in either round or rectangular shapes, they should be chosen based on personal preference. All of the products are highly effective; however, the rectangular pizza stones may have more room to accommodate breads, cookies and other baked items.

Care Tips: Most pizza stones are not designed to be cleaned in a dishwasher and generally only require cleaning with warm water and a soft brush. Sprinkling a small amount of cornmeal, semolina flour or bread crumbs on the surface before baking helps prevent sticking. The stones are very porous and absorb moisture; soap may be difficult to remove and shouldn’t be used. Care should be taken to avoid dramatic temperature changes such as putting a frozen pizza on a stone heated at 500 degrees. The stone may crack under severe temperature change conditions.

Varieties of Mozzarella Cheese

Buffalo mozzarella, or Mozzarella di bufala campana, as it is known in the Campania and Lazio regions of Italy, is produced from the milk of domesticated water buffalo. Although most imported varieties are now at least 50% cow’s ...]]> Italian food typically highlights good quality cheese and the mozzarella varieties top the list. This semi-soft light type of cheese is the perfect accent to rich tomato based sauces and flavorful sausage and herbs. The mild flavored cheese, made from water buffalo milk, is still produced in Italy although other countries such a Switzerland, Australia, Canada and the U.S. manufacture and market the product. Well-known as a favorite topping for pizza, mozzarella cheese has also gained popularity when served on focaccia bread with a slice of ripe, fresh tomato, a dash of extra-virgin olive oil and a sprig of basil.

Varieties of Mozzarella Cheese

Buffalo mozzarella, or Mozzarella di bufala campana, as it is known in the Campania and Lazio regions of Italy, is produced from the milk of domesticated water buffalo. Although most imported varieties are now at least 50% cow’s milk, the flavor of authentic buffalo mozzarella greatly enhances pizza and other Italian dishes.

Fresh mozzarella, made from pasteurized cow’s milk and formed into a ball shape, can often be found at local delis and purchased packed in water. This variety should be used quickly, buying smaller quantities is often better than purchasing a large amount.

Low-moisture mozzarella, typically made from skim milk, is widely available in major supermarkets and may be substituted for a lower calorie version. When purchased in vacuum sealed bags, the cheese can be kept up to 6 months and when grated, freezes well for later use.

Making Fresh Mozzarella at Home

Cooks who want to experiment with making their own fresh mozzarella will find the process to be relatively simple and the results worth the effort. Most recipes are simple to follow and only take about 30 minutes to complete. The ingredients required to make fresh mozzarella include citric acid and rennet tablets, an enzyme found in the intestinal lining of cows, sheep or goats. The tablet is dissolved in cool water (hot water may destroy the enzymes) and then used in the cheese mixture. Mozzarella can be made from whole milk, 1%, 2% or skim. The cheese requires processing at various temperatures; an easy-to-read thermometer helps the process.

The fresh flavor of homemade mozzarella greatly enhances a dish. Preparing the cheese at home is a safe process as long as the instructions are followed and the cheese is kept refrigerated in a brine solution of water and salt.

This is the perfect pizza to serve between Thanksgiving and Christmas to keep the holiday spirit fresh. The dish features homemade pizza dough brushed with olive oil and given a sprinkling of nutmeg. A layer of gouda and Parmesan cheese is spread over dough and topped with apple slices, caramelized onion, sautéed garlic, and optional chopped fresh sage leaves. Another layer of sliced apples and bacon pieces finish off this dish. Pizza is baked in hot oven until cheese has melted and crust edges are golden.

This is a gorgeous pizza that would make and excellent appetizer party pizza; and would work very well as part of a Sunday brunch. Both ...]]> Debby, at A Feast for the Eyes shares a recipe she originally viewed on How Sweet It Is for a delicious winter pizza – Autumn Apple Pizza with Whole Wheat Crust.

This is the perfect pizza to serve between Thanksgiving and Christmas to keep the holiday spirit fresh. The dish features homemade pizza dough brushed with olive oil and given a sprinkling of nutmeg. A layer of gouda and Parmesan cheese is spread over dough and topped with apple slices, caramelized onion, sautéed garlic, and optional chopped fresh sage leaves. Another layer of sliced apples and bacon pieces finish off this dish. Pizza is baked in hot oven until cheese has melted and crust edges are golden.

This is a gorgeous pizza that would make and excellent appetizer party pizza; and would work very well as part of a Sunday brunch. Both sites go into detail during preparation and offer excellent tips throughout to help you create a perfect dish. There is much to be learned here.

Another pizza with great complimentary and contrasting ingredients for tang, salty, and sweet.

Autumn Apple Pizza with Whole Wheat Crust, originally on How Sweet It Is, and revisited on A Feast for the Eyes. Check it out. This is a great recipe.

Great combinations of ingredients provide nice contrast. Tangy sauce, salty bacon, and sweet pears. Not sure you could power through this pizza, might be a bit decadent. This sounds and looks delicious though, worthy of being part of my killer appetizer pizza repertoire. Have to look ...]]> Here is a really nice recipe for a gourmet style pizza. From the Little Yellow Kitchen comes a recipe for Pear, Gorgonzola, Bacon and Balsamic Pizza. The recipe features fresh pizza dough, a sauce prepared from minced shallot, balsamic vinegar, butter, minced garlic, fresh thyme, and fresh ground black pepper. Pizza dough is baked in hot oven to set crust. Partially baked crust topped with sauce, cooked and crumbled bacon, Gorgonzola cheese, mozzarella cheese, and thinly sliced pear. The pizza is baked in a hot oven until the cheese has melted and sauce is bubbly.

Great combinations of ingredients provide nice contrast. Tangy sauce, salty bacon, and sweet pears. Not sure you could power through this pizza, might be a bit decadent. This sounds and looks delicious though, worthy of being part of my killer appetizer pizza repertoire. Have to look for some great pears at the Little Italy farmers market on Saturday.

Lovely blog with great posts, recipes and photos. I’ll have to scout around on it for more pizza recipes to make and report back on.

Check out Lauren and Chrissy and this great pizza recipe at their blog – From the Little Yellow Kitchen.

Here is a simple treat for an instant party appetizer. With only four ingredients, no homemade dough and no homemade sauce, this appetizer pizza goes together in minutes. Your favorite ready-made dough is topped with Cracker Barrel Mediterranean herb cheddar cheese, a cheddar cheese with a creamy texture that features basil, rosemary and oregano. The cheese is topped with cooked and crumbled hot Italian sausage, and julienne cut sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil.

The pizza goes into the oven until the crust is golden and the cheese is melted, about 12 minutes. Cut into small squares and served ...]]> Sometimes we just need a quick and easy recipe for creating a delicious dish. The folks at BetterRecipes.com share their recipe for Mediterranean Herb Flatbread Pizza, a flatbread pizza featuring ready-made dough, hot Italian sausage, sun-dried tomatoes and Cracker Barrel Mediterranean herb cheddar cheese.

Here is a simple treat for an instant party appetizer. With only four ingredients, no homemade dough and no homemade sauce, this appetizer pizza goes together in minutes. Your favorite ready-made dough is topped with Cracker Barrel Mediterranean herb cheddar cheese, a cheddar cheese with a creamy texture that features basil, rosemary and oregano. The cheese is topped with cooked and crumbled hot Italian sausage, and julienne cut sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil.

The pizza goes into the oven until the crust is golden and the cheese is melted, about 12 minutes. Cut into small squares and served hot.

The authors offer a nice wine pairing to go along with this pizza. A Chardonnay and Cabernet Savignon from Beringers Founder Estate label. Enjoy!

This is a recipe I’m going to try soon. I will probably use Italian sausage in place of the ...]]> Lydia at The Perfect Pantry offers her recipe for Whole Wheat Pizza with Pumpkin, Black Beans, and Carmelized Onions. The recipe features canned black beans (or cooked black beans), onions, Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, chicken sausage, sea salt, fresh black pepper, extra virgin olive oil, and presents a nice twist on classic pizza dough using Naan (a term for different flatbreads from around the world). The whole wheat naan is topped with pumpkin purée, black beans, sautéed onion, garlic, and chicken sausage (optional). Parmigiano-Reggiano or asiago cheese is sprinkled over the top of the meat and vegetables and the pizza is seasoned with sea salt and fresh ground black pepper. Pizza is baked in a hot oven until cheese has melted, about 10 minutes.

This is a recipe I’m going to try soon. I will probably use Italian sausage in place of the chicken sausage, if I use any meat on the pizza at all. I may substitute the meat with slice crimini mushrooms instead.

At any rate, this looks like a great idea and nice twist on classic pizza. Flatbread is my new passion, so I’m all over this one.

Beuatiful photos, simple, straightforward recipe. Worth a look!

The pizza dough recipe is a straightforward dough recipe using all-purpose flour, yeast, warm water, sugar, and vegetable oil. The dough is prepped and allowed to rise before rolling into a pizza pan.

The pizza sauce is prepared from pantry items including tomato paste, water, lemon juice, salt, garlic powder, dried oregano, dried thyme, dried basil, black pepper, and tomato ketchup.

The recipes are very well detailed and provide a great starting point for preparing your own homemade pizza.

The remainder of Sarah’s post offers numerous tips and tricks for helping the beginning pizza maker get past any point of frustration or intimidation, along with some helpful hints on making life a little easier in the kitchen.

Nice photos of dough in various stages ...]]> On celebrEATy, Sarah shares a pizza dough recipe, pizza sauce recipe, and a dozen or combination ideas to top your pizza.

The pizza dough recipe is a straightforward dough recipe using all-purpose flour, yeast, warm water, sugar, and vegetable oil. The dough is prepped and allowed to rise before rolling into a pizza pan.

The pizza sauce is prepared from pantry items including tomato paste, water, lemon juice, salt, garlic powder, dried oregano, dried thyme, dried basil, black pepper, and tomato ketchup.

The recipes are very well detailed and provide a great starting point for preparing your own homemade pizza.

The remainder of Sarah’s post offers numerous tips and tricks for helping the beginning pizza maker get past any point of frustration or intimidation, along with some helpful hints on making life a little easier in the kitchen.

Nice photos of dough in various stages of creation along with some montages of different pizzas and possible combinations.

Check out celebrEATy.

I wish I had a wood-fired oven to bake pizza in. Someday, perhaps. Dori has a wood-fired oven, and it appears to being put to good use.

In her post, she details her pizza dough recipe featuring “00” flour. The recipe is for classic thin crust pizza dough.

Dori’s pizza sauce is prepared from extra virgin olive oil, San Marzano whole tomatoes with juice, water, fresh chopped basil leaves, salt, and sugar.

Pizza dough is rolled into individual size pizzas for guests to top with the ingredients of their choosing. Small containers filled with mushrooms, peppers, anchovies, pepperonis, Italian sausage, and cheeses are set out for easy pizza preparation. Once ...]]> Dori at Malibu Kitchen, home of California beach inspired recipes presents her detailed recipes for homemade pizza dough, pizza sauce and two recipes for pizza: Pizza Margherite, and Prosciutto and White Truffle Oil Pizza.

I wish I had a wood-fired oven to bake pizza in. Someday, perhaps. Dori has a wood-fired oven, and it appears to being put to good use.

In her post, she details her pizza dough recipe featuring “00” flour. The recipe is for classic thin crust pizza dough.

Dori’s pizza sauce is prepared from extra virgin olive oil, San Marzano whole tomatoes with juice, water, fresh chopped basil leaves, salt, and sugar.

Pizza dough is rolled into individual size pizzas for guests to top with the ingredients of their choosing. Small containers filled with mushrooms, peppers, anchovies, pepperonis, Italian sausage, and cheeses are set out for easy pizza preparation. Once the pizza is ready, into the wood-fired oven it goes and in just a few minutes a perfectly baked pizza is created.

Dori offers her version of Pizza Margherita, the classic pizza that has been prepared for hundreds of years, and named after Queen Margherita of Italy. She also presents a second pizza (with gorgeous photo) of Prosciutto White Truffle Oil pizza. The pizza features prosciutto, shredded mozzarella cheese, dried oregano, fresh torn basil leaves, and white truffle oil.

A very nicely written post with great information and pizza recipes.