Woody's Guide to Family-Friendly Pizza Making
|
|
Time to read 5 min
Here at Woody, we're firm believers in the magical way pizza brings people together. It's this special connection that fuels our passion to share the joy of this incredibly social food with everyone. Join us as we bring people closer, one delicious slice at a time! 🍕✨
Whether it's a cosy night in with the family or a lively gathering with friends, the aroma of freshly baked pizza has a way of creating lasting memories. In this blog, we're going to dive into the world of creative pizza toppings, all made possible with our portable multi-fuelled pizza oven – the Woody. Get ready to embark on a culinary adventure that combines the joy of pizza-making and more, with the convenience of a versatile and efficient pizza oven.
Why Pizza? Why Woody? Why Your Family?
There's something special about crafting your own pizza creations. It's not just about the delicious end result but also the process of bringing together loved ones. Enter the Woody – a portable pizza oven designed for those who appreciate the art of pizza-making. Its portability means you can take it wherever the pizza party is happening, and its multi-fuel capabilities add a touch of versatility to your culinary endeavours.
The Family Connection
Picture this: a weekend afternoon, the Woody set up in the garden, and the whole family eagerly participating in creating their personalised pizzas. The Woody becomes the heart of the occasion, facilitating laughter, bonding, and, of course, mouth-watering pizzas. It's more than an appliance; it's a catalyst for family togetherness and shared experiences.
Traditional vs. Creative Toppings
While traditional pizza toppings have their charm, the Woody encourages you to think beyond the usual suspects. Experimentation is key, and with this portable oven, the possibilities are endless. From classic margaritas to adventurous combinations like pear and gorgonzola or barbecue chicken, the Woody allows you to push the boundaries of pizza creativity.
Creative Topping Ideas
Let's delve into the realm of creative pizza toppings. Imagine a pizza topped with caramelised onions, figs, and prosciutto, or perhaps a vegetarian delight featuring roasted butternut squash and goat cheese. The Woody's even heat distribution ensures that every bite is a perfect blend of flavours. Don't be afraid to try something new – the Woody is your canvas, and the toppings are your palette.
Creating Pizza Art with Kids
Now, let's make pizza-making a family-friendly activity. Engaging kids in the kitchen not only creates cherished memories but also introduces them to the joy of cooking. For a fun twist, turn pizza-making into an art project! Set up an array of colourful and healthy toppings, and let the little ones design their own pizza masterpieces on mini-sized dough circles. It's a delicious way to nurture creativity, and it encourages them to make healthy choices by incorporating veggies into their edible artworks.
As long as you need!
60 seconds
4-6 pizza bases
Main Course
UK
Ingredients
- Pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
- Tomato sauce or pizza sauce
- Mozzarella cheese, grated
- Colourful bell peppers (red, orange, yellow, green), thinly sliced
- Cherry tomatoes, halved
- Broccoli florets
- Black olives, sliced
- Pineapple chunks
- Pepperoni slices (optional)
- Fresh basil leaves
- Olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Step 1 - Prepare the Pizza Dough
If using pre-prepared dough, follow the package instructions. If making dough from scratch, involve the kids in measuring and mixing the ingredients. Allow the dough to rise according to the recipe. Click here for our traditional Neapolitan recipe.
Step 2 - Set Up the Colourful Toppings
Arrange bowls of tomato sauce, grated cheese, and various colourful toppings. Slice the bell peppers into thin rings or shapes resembling a rainbow. Arrange the cherry tomatoes, broccoli florets, black olives, pineapple chunks, and any other desired toppings.
Step 3 - Roll Out the Dough
Dust a clean surface with flour and roll out the pizza dough into individual-sized rounds. For added fun, you can shape the dough into a cloud or another creative shape.
Step 4 - Spread the Sauce
Let the kids use a spoon to spread tomato sauce over their pizza dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
Step 5 - Create the Rainbow
Starting from one end of the pizza, arrange the colourful bell pepper slices in a curved pattern to create a rainbow. Encourage the kids to experiment with different arrangements and patterns.
Step 6 - Add Other Toppings
Sprinkle the grated mozzarella cheese over the remaining area of the pizza. Now, let the kids add additional toppings to create their own unique pizza art. Use broccoli florets as clouds, black olives as raindrops, pineapple chunks as sunshine, and more!
Step 7 - Bake the Rainbow Pizzas
Preheat the Woody pizza oven or your regular oven according to the dough instructions. Carefully transfer the pizzas to a preheated pizza stone or baking sheet. If using the Woody, let the kids watch as their rainbow creations bake to perfection.
Step 8 - Final Touch and Presentation
After baking, drizzle a bit of olive oil over the top and season with salt and pepper to taste. You can even add fresh basil leaves as a finishing touch. Arrange the pizzas on a colourful platter to showcase the vibrant and artistic creations.
Enjoy the Rainbow Feast!
Gather around the table and admire the colourful masterpieces. Share the joy of creating edible art and savour the delicious combination of flavours. This interactive and visually appealing pizza-making experience is sure to be a hit with kids of all ages!
Set up a festive pizza party table with colourful plates and napkins. Let each family member showcase their pizza and share their unique combinations. It's a great opportunity for kids to express their creativity and preferences.
This recipe is designed to be flexible and encourages children to explore their creativity in the kitchen. Happy pizza-making!
Tailoring Pizza Making for Different Ages
Pizza-making from scratch is a tailored experience for every member of the family. Even babies and toddlers can join in by exploring toppings and feeling the textures. Younger children can express preferences, learning to make healthy choices. For older children and teenagers, it becomes an opportunity to discuss the benefits of home cooking from scratch. Engage them in conversations about avoiding ultra-processed foods, choosing nutritious veggies, and lean meats for their toppings. The beauty of homemade pizza lies in the fact that everyone gets to customise their own slice according to their preferences.
Learning Opportunities in the Kitchen
Beyond the joy of creating, cooking with the family offers countless learning opportunities. Children can become familiar with measuring ingredients, witnessing the fascinating chemical changes during dough preparation, and understanding the role of yeast. It's a hands-on lesson in science and nutrition that can ignite a lifelong passion for good food.
Developmental Benefits
Cooking together extends beyond the culinary realm. Children learn valuable life skills such as table manners, turn-taking, and following recipe instructions. These activities contribute to their overall development, fostering a sense of responsibility and teamwork. Additionally, learning how to handle food safely instils good habits from an early age.
The Final Slice...
As we wrap up our journey through the world of creative pizza toppings with the Woody, it's clear that this portable pizza oven adds a whole new dimension to the pizza-making experience. Beyond its functionality, the Woody becomes a symbol of shared moments, laughter, and the joy of trying something new. Whether you're a seasoned pizza enthusiast or a newcomer to the world of homemade pizzas, the Woody is here to make your culinary adventures even more enjoyable. So, why settle for ordinary when you can make extraordinary pizzas with the Woody? Let the pizza parties begin!
