February 9th is National Pizza Day, a day worth celebrating!
If you love pizza, February 9th is the best day of the year- National Pizza Day! Although pizza may be a popular food today, its origins go back two centuries to Naples, Italy. The traditional Italian-style pizza at that time consisted of bread dough and tomato sauce, a far cry from the pizzas we enjoy today.
This classic dish is loved worldwide and appreciated for its simplicity and vibrant flavors.
February 9th is National Pizza Day! This holiday started in the early 1980s as an unofficial celebration created by Gerry Durnell, the editor of Pizza Today magazine. Since then, many pizzerias have joined in on the festivities offering discounts and freebies on this special day. So whether you like a classic pepperoni pizza or something more daring with banana peppers and jalapenos, February 9th is the time to indulge in delicious pizza for a great price.
So whether you’re just discovering National Pizza Day or have been blissfully celebrating your favorite dish for years, February 9th gives everyone a chance to join in on the fun.
Grab a slice of your favorite pizza and enjoy the day! Happy National Pizza Day!
Or, if you are adventurous this February 9th, why not celebrate National Pizza Day by making your own pizza?
Below is a simple recipe from Betty Crocker.
Betty Crocker Gold-Medal Classic Pizza Dough
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 package of fast-acting dry yeast (2 1/4 teaspoons)
- 1 1/4 to 1 1/2 cups of Gold Medal All-Purpose flour or Better for Bread bread flour
- 1 teaspoon olive or vegetable oil
- 1/2 a teaspoon of salt
- 1/2 teaspoon of sugar
- cooking spray to grease the bowl
- 1 can 8 ounces of pizza sauce
- ingredients of your choice (i.e., tomato sauce, cheese, pepperoni, mushrooms, sausage, etc.)
Steps:
- In a 1 quart saucepan, heat the water over medium heat until warm, and a thermometer reads 105°F to 115°F. In a large bowl, dissolve yeast in warm water. With a wooden spoon, stir half the flour and all the oil, salt, and sugar. Stir in enough of the remaining flour, 1/4 cup at a time, until the dough is easy to handle.
- Sprinkle flour lightly on a countertop or a large cutting board. Place dough on a floured surface. Need by folding dough towards you, then with the heels of your hands, pushing the dough away from you with a short rocking motion. Move dough a quarter turn, and repeat. Continue kneading for about 10 minutes; sprinkle the surface with more flour if the dough starts to stick until the dough is smooth and springy. Spray a large bowl with cooking spray. Place the dough in the bowl, turning the dough to grease all sides. Cover the bowl loosely with plastic wrap; let rise in a warm place for 20 minutes.
- Gently push your fist into the dough to deflate it. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap; refrigerate for at least two hours but no longer than 48 hours. (If dough should double in size during the refrigeration, gently push with your fist to deflate.)
- Move the oven rack to the middle position of the oven. Heat the oven to 425°F. Place the dough on the center of an ungreased cookie sheet or 12-inch pizza pan. Press the dough into the 12-inch round using flowered fingers. Press the dough from the center to the edge, so the edge is slightly thicker than the center. Sprinkle the pizza sauce over the dough to within half an inch of the edge. Add all the ingredients for your special pizza (i.e., tomato sauce, cheese, pepperoni, mushrooms, sausage, etc.).
- Bake for 15 to 20 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and the cheeses are melted and lightly browned.
Grab a slice of your favorite pizza and enjoy the day! Happy National Pizza Day!
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