Parent Pizza Party

Hey there, pizza enthusiasts! Prepare for a story filled with dough, sauce, cheese, laughter, and love! Imagine a kitchen with the buzzing sound of laughter filling the air and flour scattered across the countertops. Yes, it’s time to teach my visiting parents from the Chicagoland area the pizza-making process. Who’s joining us today? It’s none other than my Mom and Dad! Let’s see if they can make a couple of beauties today.  Gather around as we embark on a journey that promises a delicious meal and some wonderful, cherished moments around the counter.

Setting the Scene

 

The counter is all set. The ingredients and utensils are laid out. Everyone is excited. With sleeves rolled up, it’s time for a pizza-making showdown. Fret not; in this kitchen arena, everyone wins with results because who can lose when you’re making pizza?

Crafting the Dough

Let’s start by focusing on the foundation of every pizza—the dough. Flour dusts the air as we knead, pound, and perfectly shape our dough. However, my dad forgot the last ½ cup of flour, so his dough was too soft until we added more flour. Sticky fingers and flour-dusted clothes add excitement as we compete to see whose dough rises the most. Spoiler alert: It’s not Mom’s, although she was the best at following directions.

Getting Saucy

Moving on to the sauce. Whether you’re a fan of marinara or a daring explorer of pesto, like Sophia, who decided to join in on the fun while Mia documented the party, there’s no wrong way to sauce up your pizza. We were armed with spoons and eager taste buds. Creating a good sauce mixture is a great way to get your desired flavor. I like to add Micheals of Brooklyn to Boves Marinara in a bowl with a dash of sugar and a bit of oregano and mix.  Taste it first to make sure it’s suitable for your taste buds.

 

 Topping Extravaganza

Now comes the moment of choosing our toppings. Will Mom go for the tried-and-true pepperoni and green pepper? Will Dad surprise us all with a mix of pineapple and jalapeños? Mia went for the pineapple/ham, and Soph had a pesto/feta/Kalamata olive.  My mom went for a complete veggie (onion, green pepper, red pepper, mushroom.) Lastly, Dad went for a traditional everything pizza—I mean, everything we had as toppings. 

Baking Time

Our culinary creations were prepared, and our hunger was mounting; we placed our pizzas onto the pans for the best part.  Baking them in the 495-degree oven’s heat. The cheese melts and bubbles while the crust turns brown, and we gather around to admire our artistry—Chef’s kiss.   We may have been having too much fun as we left the pizza in the oven for too long and burned the crust, but they still came out fantastic.  

Slicing and Sharing

Finally, it’s time for what we’ve all been anticipating – cutting into our pizzas.

With a cut of the pizza slicer and a symphony of “oh, those look fantastic” and wows, we dive into our creations, each slice a masterpiece uniquely. We eagerly indulge in plates heaped high and toasts raised, relishing every gooey, tangy mouthful.

The Aftermath

As the final crumbs disappear and contented sighs fill the room,  we all agree pizza is more than just eating; it serves as a gateway to fun memories.  In a world with craziness and unpredictability, these moments serve as reminders of the simple pleasures found in fabulous family gatherings, good food, and shared moments.  Here’s to homemade pizza nights, culinary escapades in the kitchen, and beloved family. May your dough stretch right, your toppings, and your memories be cozy and cheesy. Until next time, keep making homemade pizzas.