Friday, April 11, 2003


save the pizza

"pizza sales going stale," the headline trumpets. americans are deserting the fast-food pizza for healthier or fancier alternatives.

desperate executives attempt to lure customers back by advertising that they're increasing the fake-y soy cheese on their goods, in some cases, up to pound of greasy, messy supposed "cheese" per pie.

no doubt those guys need a wake-up call. "it may be just a basic, fundamental shift in the role of pizza in the american diet," one analyst says.

only after sorting through the rest of the article does what seems to me to be the real truth emerge: "the problem may not be pizza itself, just the boring versions are often delivered." let's face it: who really wants to eat the same stuff those places always serve?

as the chains struggle to cut costs, the quality of the ingredients continues to plummet, and all the new "variations" result in only more of the same yucky stuff, or at best a sad heap of still low-quality additions. for which the chains charge an outrageous sum.

there's no way i'll believe the american love affair with pizza is over. but americans do demand high-quality, better-tasting, healthier versions.

pizza itself isn't inherently bad for you: throw some whole-wheat flour into the crust; use fresh tomatoes and vegetables, pure olive oil, a light hand with the highest-quality mozzarella or fiori di latte you can find; don't spare the fresh herbs.

this gives a delicious, fresh-tasting pizza that's a joy to eat. it's way cheap too. and so simple to make at home. long-time readers know i do it every week.

i understand not everyone has the time to follow my crust recipe; so this one might be more convenient for working people with children. however, the sauce (light red or yellow) still takes only 15 or 20 mins -- make up a double batch and freeze. the cheese requires only last minute slicing; the herbs can be quickly torn by hand.

i applaud you who have abandoned the miserable fast-food pizza. but there's no need to deprive yourself: thus i continue with my subversive message: make your own at home. . .

posted by fortune | 4:50 PM | top | link to this | email this: | | | 0 comments