Happy National Pizza Month!
For many people, pizza is an every season kind of food. But if you’re looking for an excuse to enjoy some delicious pie, look no further than National Pizza month – how delightful does that sound? If you’re trying out this pinnacle of Italian cuisine at home, rather than ordering out, here are some tips to make sure it is perfect.
Measure The Dough Ingredients
When we say to measure, we mean with a scale not measuring cups. Most problems with pizza dough and baking, in general, come down to issues with incorrectly measuring ingredients, especially flour because it is compressible. Make sure you’re using the right quantities by weight, and if your recipe doesn’t list that information find a new one.
Choose The Right Flour
Speaking of flour, the type you use in your recipe can mean the difference between good dough and great dough. All-purpose is fine, but if you want chewier crumb, opt for high-protein flour.
Pick Your Pizza Style
The style of pizza – New York, Neapolitan, pan – will make a difference in many of your decisions and in the recipe you use. Don’t start a recipe for Neapolitan and expect to make it into New York style.
Stand Mixer Optional
A stand mixer is a nice thing to have, especially if you’re making a lot of dough, but it is not strictly necessary. The most important part of the dough making process is kneading. This is how the gluten develops into a complex network of proteins that gives the dough its desired texture. A food processor can also be used to do this, or you can roll up your sleeves and work the dough by hand.
The Sauce and Cheese
While the dough takes a lot of time and consideration, a great pizza (like a great panini) needs excellent toppings. Start with good, high-quality tomatoes in either your sauce or straight out of the can. Then, a good quality mozzarella cheese is really all you need, but you could try to add others cheeses like a sharp Parmesan. Don’t go crazy with the toppings either. Choose 2 or 3 that compliment each other rather than dumping the whole store on top.
Turn Up The Heat
Pizza from a restaurant tastes better than at home, and it’s not just the wine pairings they offer. Their ovens are hotter than yours, and the extra heat if what gives that delicious crispy outside with a light and fluffy inside texture to the dough. Turn your oven as hot as it will go, generally about 505 degrees, to achieve your best results.
CELEBRATE NATIONAL PIZZA MONTH AT BASTA PASTA?
For more than 12 years, Basta Pasta has given Maryland diners delicious Italian food from local and fresh ingredients. Enjoy delicious pasta dishes, unlimited salad and breadsticks, and fine wine at one of our locations in Timonium, Fallston, Perry Hall, or Eldersburg. Contact us online or give us a call at the location-specific phone number listed here. Read our menu and be sure to follow us on Facebook and Twitter! If you don’t feel like going out, order our signature crab cakes online and enjoy delicious Basta Pasta from home!