Culinary Birthday Party!

Last night I had the pleasure of spending the evening with 11 lovely young ladies and their classroom teacher, for a Birthday Culinary Class.  They made their own homemade pizza sauce, made batches of dough that they watched rise, then rolled out to create their very own Calzone's, along with a yummy ice cream creation.   They all had a great time!

The photo above, with rolling pins in hand, the group of girls await to learn how to make homemade pizza dough.  With tons of energy their creations were finger lickin' good!

What an incredible group!  With each dish that was created they diligently pitched in and cleaned the tables, counters and floors before moving onto the next lesson.  I was so impressed with their manners and how well these budding chefs did with every dish they mastered. Each one with their own sweet personality and willingness to learn and help out, made it a fun time for all.

What a nice way to spend a Friday evening!

Happy Birthday to "E"!

Now I've heard everything!

Today I was listening to Sirius Radio while driving - The Martha Stewart station.  I love that station since it's mostly about food.  From morning to night they have various chefs, foodies, designers and even pet people on.  I enjoy what they have to share and often even call in to make comments.

Today however, I heard something that I just couldn't believe.  You've heard of beef filets, filet mignons, center cuts but have you ever heard of a PIZZA FILET?  Apparently it's becoming the rage on the east coast. 

Of course, most of us have heard of pizza by the slice and that's perfect when you're out at an event or even at a shopping mall.  However, now in some places you can order the center cut or filet of the pizza without the outer crust.  These pizzas are typically cut into squares rather than wedges. 

I think it's a great idea, although it could be a bit wasteful.  I personally love the center cut or filet of the pizza.  I could do without the crust.  I like the meat of the pizza so to speak, or the ooey gooey cheese that you always get in the center.  This new way to order is right up my alley.

What about you?  Do you prefer the crust or the filet? What do you think of this concept?  I'd love to hear your comments.

As long as you're posting your comments, please tell us who makes your favorite pizza and what type of toppings do you prefer when ordering?

Pizza Pie - Cast Your Vote!

Of all the foods there are to eat, I have to admit, pizza is my all-time favorite. I could eat it everyday but I don't think my body would be too happy about that anymore. Maybe when I was in my teens but not now.

So when I happened to be walking by the magazine rack at the grocery store yesterday and saw a magazine titled "PIZZA" I decided I had to pick it up. It's by the famous husband and wife team Jane and Michael Stern who go across country eating Roadfood and talking about it.

The magazine has numerous recipes of varying types of pizza plus everything you ever wanted to know about pizza. It's quite entertaining plus informative and the photos make me salivate.

A question that I found interesting and in my case true was, "Where is the best pizza in America?" Their study showed that it's in the town where you grew up. Even sophisticated gastronomes who have eaten the most masterful pizzas from Naples to New Haven to the San Francisco Bay tend to maintain a soft spot in their hearts for the pizza pie they used to have with their friends, that they shared with their family and their sweetheart, and to which they return whenever they come home.

I know my favorite pizza is from Imo's here in St Louis. I grew up with this delightful thin crusted pizza made with provel cheese and to this day it's still my number 1 pizza of choice. When my sister comes home from California to visit, the first thing she does is order a bacon and hamburger pizza and a cheese pizza from Imo's plus some toasted ravioli. My mom of course always asks for an anchovy on hers. Just one, right in the middle. I could never figure that one out but that's how she likes hers.

Where is your favorite pizza from and what town is it in? Is it where you live now or where you grew up? That's the key according to the Stern's.

What are your favorite toppings? Mine are bacon and hamburger, and just plain cheese. I also like the veggie pizza, from California Pizza Kitchen.









In addition the Stern's talk about "Who Likes What Crust?" Thin, thick, chewy, crisp, or charred. Nobody is neutral on this issue. In the summer of 2010 though a poll was conducted of Roadfood.com members to determine their preference, and guess what? Thin crust pizza, my favorite, won!

What's your favorite type of crust? I'd love to do our own poll so please send a post and let me know. I'd be curious to see which crust wins?

After reading the article I had to check out the Roadfood.com site.

Roadfood means great regional meals along highways, in small towns and in city neighborhoods.

It is non-franchised, sleeves-up food made by cooks, bakers, pitmasters, and sandwich-makers who are America’s culinary folk artists.

Roadfood is almost always informal and inexpensive; and the best Roadfood restaurants are colorful places enjoyed by locals (and savvy travelers) for their character as well as their menu.

They claim that it's their intention that Roadfood.com will lead the way to:
great local color
the best regional specialties
unforgettable diners, celestial barbecue, and four-star pig-outs galore!

It's a fun site to browse with recipes, forums, merchandise, maps, and more. So check it out and please cast your vote.

Which crust is your favorite?
Thin, Thick, Chewy, Crisp or Charred? If none of these then what kind?

I'll be looking forward to your post.