Reproduction of Pepperoni Pizza - Essay Example

Reproduction of Pepperoni Pizza December 5, Pizza has undoubtedly won the hearts of many since its early years. The origin of pizza is heavily debated with some research claiming that it was first baked in Italy while others posit it could have been Egypt (Passion-4-pizza.com). However, when comfortably leaning into your favorite chair chewing the sweetness out of your crunchy pizza, you would most probably be wondering more at how bakers manage to get it that delicious than where it originated. Therefore, this special moment shall be spent on trying to reproduce this evidently awesome food regardless of whether it was first baked by saints in Rome or Egyptian sorcerers. This paper will take us through a process that would see us make arguably the most consumed food stuff in the world – all by ourselves. The pepperoni pizza recipe has evolved over time but has maintained amazing end-result; renowned delicacy. Though many consumers are oblivious of its ingredients, the standard recipe contains just familiar ingredients. While creating a healthy version of Pepperoni Pizza, it was imperative to investigate the original ingredients in an attempt to establish their function in the Pizza delicacy. After a thorough research, careful flavor analysis and data collection, a recreated recipe was obtained. The end product was almost similar in appearance to the original commercially produced Pepperoni Pizza. The striking difference being that the original is very crunchy and with crust while the recreated version had a thin crust and with a normal crispy crunch. Though it would be almost entirely unfair to publicly equate the reeling enjoyment derived from an original Pepperoni Pizza to that which can be experienced in the recreated one, consumers might find it economical and considerably convenient to try homemade Pepperoni Pizza. Discussion of Ingredients The Pepperoni Pizza ingredients list included in the appendix of this paper comprises of components where each plays a role in the realization of the crunchy delicious Pepperoni Pizza. However most of this ingredients has baking products mainly for the making the pizza dough. Other ingredients are for topping and seasoning purposes. This discussion explores the role that each component play. In making of the Pizza dough, refined baking flour is used. Thou cheaper, tis has been processed and has lost its nutrients. The dough contains fats, cholesterol, sodium and potassium ions, sugars and dietary fibers (Spark people). Margarine is used while kneading the dough to help hold it together and prevent it from drying. Other ingredients like toppings, sauces, mushrooms and herbs are included solely for flavor and their nutritional values outlined in the table of ingredients at the end of the paper. Recipe Adjustments While substituting the ingredients in the recreated final recipe, several factors were taken into consideration. These include; health benefits of the substitute ingredients, sustainability and the flavor preference. Health requirements necessitates the removal of artificial flavors and coloring. The effects of the substitutes had some effects on the final product but it was similar to the original product on most parts. The recreated pizza utilized wholesome ingredients, the first being whole white wheat flour, a complete form of the wheat grain that still contains fiber for improved digestion. Also instead of saturated fats namely the margarine, this is replaced with olive oil that is organic oil yet still liquid in form for better dough handling. Product Comparison Major differences occurred in the thickness of the crust. The original Pepperoni Pizza have a very thick and very crunchy crust that can almost scratch ones mouth while chewing. But the crust was not burnt. The recreated product on the other hand had a thin crust and a normal crunch. Shelf life of the original pizza was than for the homemade. This was apparent after 5 days, the original Pepperoni Pizza was unaltered as it had preservatives to prolong its life. The recreated Pizza stiffened as days went by due to lack of preservatives. The topping added to the Pizza thou noticeably different as the recreated one used fresh tomatoes, the difference in flavor was unnoticeable. Comparison of Preparation and General discussion Despite the tedious process of making the recreated product from purchasing of ingredients to hand-making the Pizza, the final product was not only wholesome but was similar to the original Pepperoni Pizza. The products Purchased exceeded the Price of a bought pizza, however if all the ingredients were used assuming very little wastage, two homemade pizza could be made, an approximate double of the Pizza that can be purchased with the same amount. The pizza is also easy to make as the recipe is easy to follow and will therefore not demand tedious training on the same. The preparation however will require special equipment such as a pizza stone that is highly recommended for a crispy pizza crust and a flat baking sheet or a pizza peel. They are however durable once bought. As long funds and time are available, homemade fresh Pepperoni Pizza are much better quality than bought ones. Depending on one’s taste and preference, the recipe is straight forward enough to make substitutions as desired to most ingredients. The final product homemade reproduction can be regarded as healthier and more wholesome as it is made with all organic ingredients, low fat substitutes, and no artificial flavors. Exhibit 1: Secondary Recipe Used to Compose Final Reproduction Recipe (Recipe retrieved from Scribd) Pepperoni Pizza Pizza dough Refined Wheat flour 2 ounces sliced pepperoni 6 ounces shredded mozzarella cheese Jar of pizza sauce 2 teaspoons of olive oil 2 cups of mushrooms Herbs such as oregano and thyme Procedure: Pizza Base: Mix salt and yeast together in a jug with the water. Place flour in a bowl, make a well in the center and add the water mixture along with the oil Use a wooden spoon to mix everything to create a wet dough. Put on floured surface and need for 5mins. Place in greased bowl and cover with tea towel. Leave at room temperature to rise for 30mins (should double in size). Round into pizza base and stab with fork several times. Pizza Topping Spread tomato puree over the base. Add chopped tomatoes on top then add onion and garlic. Sprinkle over cheese and arrange Pepperoni. Season with salt and pepper and sprinkle on basil. Cooking Place on oiled baking sheets. Add topping. Cook at 200° for 20mins. Exhibit 2: Final Recipe (Final recipe inspired by Christensen’s at the Kitchen) Pepperoni Pizza 1 pound Pizza dough 1/2 cup of tomato sauce 2 cups of toppings: sliced pepperoni, left over vegies, mushrooms, oregano 2 cups of mozzarella cheese Cornmeal Equipment: baking sheet Procedure Heat the oven to about 550º F for about half an hour. This helps to get the pizza crunchier. Divide the pizza dough into two parts. Cover one part with a clean bowl to avoid drying as you work on the other half. Note that one pound of dough will create two pizzas. Next roll out the dough each piece at a time on the baking sheet after applying a thin film of olive oil on the sheet. Spread the dough on the sheet using your hands and then use a rolling pin to get it to a rounder shape. Top the pizza by putting a few tablespoons of sauce on the pizza dough and spreading it to the sides. Then apply all your toppings onto the pizza. Bake the pizza. Because this procedure uses baking sheet only, the pizza with cornmeal are baked for 5 minutes after which it is turned. It is again let to heat for 2 – 3 minutes until the crust turns golden brown and the cheese gets toasty. The pizza is then ready for serving. Exhibit 3: Photos of Final Product Table of ingredients References Christensen, E. (n.d). How to make really good pizza at home. Retrieved from the Kitchen http://www.thekitchn.com/how-to-make-really-good-pizza-at-home-cooking-lessons-from-the-kitchn-178384 “Real, True Honest-to-Goodness History of Pizza”. Retrieved from Passion-4-pizza.com http://www.passion-4-pizza.com/history_of_pizza.html. Scribd.(n.d) Pepperoni Pizza. Retrieved from http://www.scribd.com/doc/174654123/Pepperoni-Pizza Spark people. (n.d). Calories in Pillsbury pizza crust. Retrieved from Calories in http://www.sparkpeople.com/calories-in.asp?food=pillsbury+pizza+crust Read More