Why are pizzas so irresistible?
If you have ever made a pizza at home, the answer will be obvious – the smell! it is always worth making your own dough, and the preparation is crucial. Most supermarkets stock pre-prepared dough, if you don’t have the time to prepare your own.
Any food that you can enjoy from home should fill the room and whet the appetite, such as pizza which has a unique freshness.
I am a recent convert to home-made pizzas, but like everyone else, I have been inspired by a particular takeaway or restaurant experience. There is a restaurant near to me on the seafront, which makes great pizzas, and loves to entertain. Tasty food and entertainment in Europe in particular, is led by the Spanish and the Italians who love to dish up a combination of the two. In the north of Spain, they have an unsual way of serving the cider or ’sidre’ to their customers. The waiter looks as if he is in a trance, whilst pouring the drink from above his head into a glass. Totally pointless activity – but worth watching!
The Italians like to show off their dough preparations skills, which mask the importance of the ritual in the taste of the pizza. The secret of a great pizza, according to them, is the preparation at the start, and the correct temperature in the oven. Gradually the dough becomes more pliable and incredibly soft. I know this to be true, as the restaurant like to entertain by allowing people to feel the dough that will become their pizza! They are masters of the art of ’spinning’ the dough, helping to create the familiar shape that we all know.
When fully prepared with all the toppings and trimmings, it is ready to go into the oven. In about ten minutes your senses will be gripped by the delicious aroma, coming from the oven. It is perfectly fine to take your meal outside if the weather is fine. If warm enough, you can eat on the beach having enjoyed the entertainment inside the restaurant! Sunset on the beach, great pizza, good company – heaven!
