Pizza Blog from pizzatherapy.com

Gary Casper had a pizza problem.  A BIG Pizza Problem. He was given a pizza stone, but he didn't know how to use it. He was able to make pizza alright, but getting the pizza on and off the stone proved to be a major issue.  Gary had been given a pizza baking stone similar to this one: Old Stone Oven 4467 14-Inch by 16-Inch    Baking Stone  Then he had a brilliant idea... Gary and I have been an Internet friends for a number of years. I've always been amazed at his unique way of moving pizza on and off a pizza stone. In the following interview, Gary explains the Secret of The Super Peel: ( EXO Limited Edition Super Peel in Solid Cherry! 100% Made in USA )   Albert: The Super Peel is a new take on an old tool. A peel is used to transfer a pizza on and off a pizza stone (or wood fired oven). Gary how did you come up with the idea of the Super Peel ? How does it work? Gary: This truly was a Father-Daughter project from the getgo. Jen (my...

I asked Dan about how his pizza turned out. He had gotten a free copy of The Mini Pizza Therapy Pizza Book   He responded: Thank you for your inquiry. I did order your Legends of Pizza story and haven’t gotten the chance to read it yet, but I did try the dough recipe and it was fantastic. I bought a pizza stone and the crust was perfect . Unfortunately I had a problem getting the dough off the peel and it ended up spilling the toppings on the stone. Is there some trick to getting the dough off the peel? I’ve read about using parchment paper, but that seems to defeat the purpose of the stone, so any suggestions you have would be appreciated. Thanks Yours in pizza Dan G My response: Hi Dan. I have made every mistake possible when making pizza. Believe me! Every miststake possible. And even some mistakes that were not possible! So please do not feel bad. You will get it down. It just takes a bit of practice. Here is my advice on how to use a pizza peel: 1...

Using A Pizza Stone If you are going to make great pizza you need the right tools. Most of the tools for making pizza will be found in any kitchen. There are a few tools that you will need if you want to make exceptional home made pizza. Mixing bowls, measuring spoons and a pizza pan or cookie sheet are essential. But if you want to take your pizza making to an expert level, you need a pizza stone. With a pizza stone you will be able to make gourmet pizza. A pizza stone , (also known as a baking stone), and a pizza peel are essential to make great pizza. The best pizza is made in a stone or brick oven. A pizza stone attempts to recreate a brick oven in your home. The notion behind this is that the pizza stone will absorb the heat in an oven. A pizza stone will cook your pizza quickly and evenly. One of the most important trick to using a pizza stone is to per-heat your stone for an hour or more. The biggest mistake made by home pizza chefs is not allowing the stone to heat u...

Betty writes: Mr. Grande, Sorry, I haven't made a pizza yet. I need to purchase a pizza peel. Can I substitute something else to use for the peel, until I purchase one? I'll definitely be trying one of your pizza recipes soon. I have never ate a pizza with stewed tomatoes as the sauce. Thank you, Betty My Response: Hi Betty, you certainly do not need a peel to make god pizza. I used a cookie sheet, and then a regular pizza pan, for years before I got a pizza peel. My pizza's all turned out great. If you do not have a peel, you could do what my friend Espo did. I do not recommend this, but he claims it worked. He used a piece of thick cardboard to slide the pizza on and off the stone. Please, don't do what Espo did! I say use a cookie sheet or pizza pan. It will work fine. Then when you want, get a peel. Though a peel is not essential to make good pizza. Please let me know how you make out. Betty you can find a great peel below: I own o...

An Appeal for a Peel: Al Writes: Could you please tell me exactly what a 'peel' is? I've never heard this term before. Thanks for the newsletter! Our Response: A peel also known as a pizza paddle is is a flat tool with a handle. You use the peel to put the pizza onto a pizza stone (or brick oven) and to take it out. You can build your pizza right on a pizza peel, dusted liberally with corn meal. You can see a wooden peel here: Peels can be made of wood as well as metal. I have both kinds. Both work well. here is a metal pizza peel: You really only need a peel if you are using a pizza stone.Until I gave him a peel, my friend Espo used a piece of cardboard to move his pizza on and off his pizza stone. It worked, but that is another story! I hope this answers your question... Pizza on Earth, albert Pizza Therapy P.S. Here is one more peel for you:

The Fender Stratocaster Pizza Peel I recently got an email from Ron, who told me about an unusual peel he made... Ron wrote : I too am somewhat of a pizza fanatic. I use an 18" Weber kettle grill with a 16" Old Stone Oven stone and fire it with a 185,000 BTU Cajuncooker. I also made a pizza peel fashioned to look like a Fender Stratocaster guitar. { Albert's Side Bar : Musicians who have played a Fender Stratocaster include: Buddy Holly, Jimi Hendrix, Eric Clapton, Buddy Guy, Muddy Waters, Mark Knopfler, Dick Dale, Prince...} Now I have seen some unusual pizza devices, but a peel in the shape of a Fender Stratocaster guitar was a new one on me. (To see what an actual Stratocaster looks like, peek here .) I immediately had to see it! This pizza peel makes you want to Rock and Roll! As soon as I saw The Stratocaster Pizza Peel, I knew I had some questions for Ron. Albert : Are you a wood worker? Ron : I used to work construction and woodworking has always been one my fiel...