Author: Pizza Man

When it comes to pizza, we’ve all seen the typical toppings: pepperoni, sausage, mushrooms, and maybe some onions. But sometimes, a more unexpected ingredient can take your pizza experience to a whole new level. One such topping I encountered years ago was peppadew, and let me tell you, it was an unusual but delightful surprise.

What is Peppadew?

For those unfamiliar, peppadew is a bright red pepper that looks somewhat like a cherry tomato. Native to South Africa, it’s technically called a piquante pepper and offers a unique flavor profile. It starts off slightly sweet, and then—surprisingly—a mild heat creeps up on you a couple of minutes later. This “sweet heat” combination is subtle but flavorful, making it a great addition to pizzas for those looking for something different.

My Experience with Peppadew Pizza

The first time I had peppadew on pizza, I was in Hot Springs, Arkansas—not exactly a place you’d expect to find an unusual gourmet pizza. It was paired with Volpi pepperoni, a gourmet variety with a richer and spicier taste than your typical pepperoni. Together, the sweet-then-spicy flavor of the peppadew worked surprisingly well with the pepperoni’s savory richness. The bright red peppadew added a pop of color to the pizza, making it visually striking as well.

The sweetness hit first, almost like you might expect from a fruit topping like pineapple—but much more subtle. A couple of minutes later, the mild heat followed, balancing out the flavors in a way I hadn’t anticipated. It wasn’t overpowering, just enough to remind you it was there, and it elevated the overall taste of the pizza.

Why Peppadew Works as a Pizza Topping

One reason peppadew works so well on pizza is that it doesn’t overwhelm other ingredients. Instead, it complements them. For example, on my pizza, the Volpi pepperoni’s bold, savory flavor didn’t clash with the peppadew’s sweet heat. Instead, the two worked in harmony, enhancing each other and creating a layered, complex bite.

In a world where people are always looking for new pizza experiences, peppadew is one of those underrated toppings that delivers something fresh. It’s not as polarizing as pineapple, but it still adds a unique twist to the traditional pizza flavor profile.

Finding Peppadew: A Challenge

One thing about peppadew is that it’s not the easiest ingredient to find. You might have to scour your supermarket, and it could be tucked away on some obscure shelf. In my local supermarket, it’s actually available at the olive bar, where you can scoop it into a container and it’s sold by weight. So, if you’re looking to recreate a peppadew pizza at home, it might take a bit of searching, but trust me, it’s worth it.

Other Unusual Pizza Toppings to Explore

If peppadew isn’t your style, there are plenty of other unusual toppings that can elevate your pizza game. From figs and arugula to truffle oil and blue cheese, sometimes stepping outside the box can lead to a delicious discovery. You never know what combination might hit just right.

When it comes to pizza, mozzarella cheese is an essential ingredient that plays a pivotal role in creating that gooey, melty goodness we all love. But have you ever wondered about the origins of part-skim mozzarella cheese? While it may seem like a modern health-conscious option, its history tells a different story.

The Emergence of Part-Skim Mozzarella

Part-skim mozzarella cheese began to gain traction in the United States during the 1970s. This rise was not driven primarily by health trends, but rather by a significant cheese shortage that hit the nation. As pizza became a staple in American diets, especially with the rapid growth of pizzerias, the demand for mozzarella skyrocketed.

Faced with limited milk supplies, dairy manufacturers sought innovative solutions. Enter part-skim mozzarella—a cheese made with less milk fat than its whole milk counterpart. This variety allowed producers to stretch their milk supplies further while still providing a cheese that melted beautifully and paired perfectly with pizza.

The Pizzeria Response

In response to the cheese shortage of the 1970s, many pizzerias altered their cheese recipes by blending their mozzarella. They typically used a 50% part-skim and 50% whole milk blend to achieve the right texture and flavor. Unfortunately, this practice was meant to be a temporary solution during a time of crisis. Once the shortages were resolved, many pizzerias did not return to using pure whole milk mozzarella.

This shift has persisted, and when you visit grocery stores, you’ll often find a wider selection of part-skim mozzarella than whole milk varieties. This ongoing trend raises questions about the quality and authenticity of the pizza experience.

The Misconception of Health Consciousness

While part-skim mozzarella has been marketed as a healthier alternative, the reality is that its introduction was more about economic necessity than dietary considerations. The truth is, many consumers gravitate toward part-skim mozzarella under the assumption that it is the healthier choice, but this is not necessarily the case.

In recent years, the price difference between whole milk and part-skim mozzarella has diminished significantly. Whole milk mozzarella is no longer a luxury item; it can often be found at similar price points as part-skim varieties. This change has made it easier for consumers to opt for the richer flavor and creamier texture of whole milk mozzarella without breaking the bank.

Why Whole Milk Mozzarella Might Be the Better Choice

Choosing whole milk mozzarella over part-skim can offer several benefits:

1. Flavor: Whole milk mozzarella has a richer, creamier taste that enhances the overall flavor profile of your pizza. The fat content contributes to the delightful mouthfeel that many pizza lovers crave.


2. Versatility: Whole milk mozzarella can withstand higher temperatures, making it ideal for baking and broiling. It maintains its texture and flavor, even when subjected to the intense heat of an oven.


3. Nutritional Benefits: Whole milk mozzarella is a good source of calcium and protein. While it does contain more fat than part-skim, it also provides essential nutrients that can contribute to a balanced diet.


4. Simplicity: In an age of over-processed foods, opting for whole milk mozzarella can align with a desire for more natural ingredients. It’s a straightforward choice that reflects a commitment to quality.



Conclusion

The origin of part-skim mozzarella cheese is rooted in economic factors rather than health trends. While it may have been a necessary innovation during a cheese shortage, the time has come for consumers to reconsider their choices. With comparable pricing and undeniable flavor benefits, whole milk mozzarella deserves a spot at the forefront of our pizza-making endeavors. So the next time you’re gearing up for a pizza party, remember that sticking with whole milk mozzarella could elevate your culinary creations to delicious new heights!

Pineapple on pizza—it’s one of those topics that divides pizza lovers everywhere. But where did this controversial topping come from, and why is it still popular despite the heated debates? Let’s dive into the history and evolution of this sweet and moisture-heavy topping, while I’ll share why you won’t find pineapple on any pizza I’m ordering.

The First Pineapple Pizza: A Canadian Creation

Despite common misconceptions, the concept of putting pineapple on pizza didn’t originate in Hawaii. Instead, it was invented in 1962 by Sam Panopoulos, a Greek immigrant who owned a small restaurant in Ontario, Canada. At the time, pizza itself was a relatively new offering in Canada, so Panopoulos experimented with toppings to attract new customers. After trying canned pineapple, he decided to throw it on a pizza with ham, creating what we now call “Hawaiian pizza.”

Why the name “Hawaiian”? It wasn’t anything to do with the U.S. state. The name came from the brand of canned pineapple he used in that fateful experiment. Despite its divisiveness, Panopoulos’ creation quickly gained popularity, sparking a trend that spread across Canada, the U.S., and eventually the world.

Why Is This Trend Still Around?

So, why has this trend stuck around for so long, despite strong opposition from people like myself? Here are a few reasons:

1. Sweet and Savory Appeal: For some, the combination of sweet pineapple with salty ham or bacon hits the spot. The blend of opposites is a hit with certain palates, offering a unique flavor profile that stands out from traditional pizzas.


2. Variety: People love variety, and pineapple adds a tropical flair that makes a pizza feel fresh or exotic. As food trends evolve, customers have become more willing to experiment with unconventional toppings, and pineapple is no exception.


3. Customization Culture: In today’s food landscape, customization is king. Whether it’s choosing toppings or trying out different flavor combinations, pineapple has remained an option simply because people are curious to try something different.



A Regional Preference: Pineapple’s Popularity with Indian Customers

One interesting observation from my time working part-time at Domino’s is how popular pineapple is among our Indian customers. We go through a lot of pineapples, particularly with Hawaiian pizzas, which seem to be a favorite. This might have something to do with how people outside the U.S. view American pizza. For many international customers, especially those from India, Domino’s might be one of their first experiences with American-style pizza, which often comes across as more of a snack compared to traditional meals.

While pineapple on pizza is divisive in the U.S., it appears to have a strong fan base among some of our customers from India. Perhaps the mix of sweet and savory aligns well with certain flavor profiles they enjoy. Still, it’s fascinating to see how a topping that many Americans debate has become a go-to for people experiencing American pizza for the first time.

Why Pineapple Has No Place on My Pizza

But let’s be real here: pineapple on pizza isn’t for everyone, and I’m firmly in the camp that says “no thanks” to this tropical fruit. Let me tell you why:

1. It’s Just Too Sweet: Pizza is all about savory flavors, from the dough to the sauce and the cheese. I’ve never wanted sweetness on my pizza, and pineapple, with its high sugar content, brings a flavor that doesn’t sit right with me. It throws off the balance of what makes pizza… pizza.


2. Too Much Moisture: A big issue with pineapple—and a reason I avoid it—is the water content. Pineapple brings too much moisture to the table, which messes with the texture of the pizza. You already have to contend with toppings like mushrooms and green peppers, which release moisture as they cook. Pineapple just takes that problem to a new level, making the pizza soggy and less enjoyable to eat.


3. A Traditionalist’s View: When it comes to pizza, I’m a bit of a purist. Give me the classics—pepperoni, sausage, mushrooms—but keep the fruit for desserts or smoothies, not my pizza. Pineapple may have its fans, but for me, pizza is meant to be savory, cheesy, and satisfying without the sugary twist.



The Final Slice

Love it or hate it, pineapple on pizza is here to stay. Its origins may have been in a small Canadian restaurant, but its place in pizza history is undeniable. While some may enjoy the combination of sweet and savory, for others, like myself, the sweetness and moisture of pineapple are deal-breakers.

In the end, pizza is a personal experience, and that’s the beauty of it—you can top it with whatever makes you happy. Just don’t expect me to reach for a slice with pineapple anytime soon!

Let me know your thoughts on this polarizing topic. Do you love it, hate it, or somewhere in between?

If you’re serious about frozen pizza, the Presto Pizzazz Rotating Oven might just be your go-to kitchen gadget. Personally, I purchased one of these back around 2002 or 2003, and I have to say, I was genuinely impressed—and still am today. Initially, I wasn’t sure what to expect from this rotating oven. After all, cooking a pizza without a traditional oven seemed a bit unconventional. But once I tried it, I was hooked.

Performance and Features

The Pizzazz Rotating Oven comes with dual heat settings—top and bottom elements—so you have more control over how your pizza cooks. For self-rising crust pizzas like DiGiorno, you’ll want to use the bottom setting for the first several minutes before switching to the top. This feature makes it easy to adjust based on the type of pizza you’re cooking, ensuring that your crust turns out crispy while the toppings are perfectly melted.

What really sets the Pizzazz apart is how evenly it cooks your pizza. There’s no need to worry about hot spots or parts of the pizza being underdone. The rotating tray ensures that every inch of your pizza gets equal exposure to the heat, delivering consistently great results.

Not Just for Pizza

While the Pizzazz shines with frozen pizza, it’s also fantastic for other frozen items like Hot Pockets and other quick snacks. You can experiment with it for a variety of foods, which makes it more versatile than just a pizza oven.

Why I Recommend It

One of the most convenient features of the Presto Pizzazz Rotating Oven is the auto shut-off. This means you don’t have to worry about burning your pizza if you’re distracted or step away from the kitchen. Once you dial in the settings for your favorite frozen pizza, it’s pretty much a “set it and forget it” situation. No more anxiously checking the oven or worrying about crispy, blackened pizza edges.

Even after all these years, I still highly recommend the Presto Pizzazz Rotating Oven. It’s a great investment if you’re a fan of frozen pizza or quick, easy meals. Plus, it takes the guesswork out of cooking—you’ll get consistent results every time. Whether you’re a seasoned pizza lover or just looking for an easier way to make your favorite frozen snacks, this oven has stood the test of time.

Final Thoughts

The Presto Pizzazz Rotating Oven is a reliable, easy-to-use kitchen tool that excels at making frozen pizzas taste great. After over two decades on the market, it’s still a highly-rated product for a reason. If you’re big on frozen pizza and want a hassle-free way to cook them perfectly every time, you can’t go wrong with the Pizzazz.