I HAD A GREAT FOOD DREAM!
Recently a person in Sicily making pizza the old fashioned family way from natural ingredients! Oh So Great!
The images remained so fixed in my memory, and I "dreamed" "I" was making the same recipe from the same bowls and using hand mixing methods I saw. I "felt " I was in the same kitchen in Sicily. Natural grains, not baking flour or cake flour but real natural (somewhat granular) flour, a lovely nutritious yellow cream color. I added the locally grown and processed organic olive oil as directed, a little bit at a time, and folded it in with wooden spoon, then hand mixed!
A Hands On Experience!
It was like instant replay! I felt the bowls and ingredients!
I wore a blue skirt and a blue and white printed apron!
My hair was very dark brown, like it used to be.
I am weary already: WHO CAN HELP?
I set the dough aside to settle and meld. Meanwhile, a family member appeared as if by magic, Grandpa! He will help me cut the ripe fresh tomatoes "just so" and preserve all the lush juices and flavors. We also worked with herbs from the garden outside. Many fresh herbs went into the layered blend of flavors.
Basil, Oregano, perhaps Thyme, Sage, cut from the garden, crushed a bit. How about a hint of fresh rosemary, cut in very thin small slices. The tomato herbal mix was ready. The best of the of the herbs and dough was no added sugar or salt. Flavors are true to taste.
Every family has its own recipes. A sprig of mint? A dash of cinnamon? A squeeze of fresh citrus juice? A hint of nutmeg? How about fresh butter in place of olive oil? What does your garden of farm grow?
Kneading the Dough by hand was fun and full of smiles, laughter and exercise too! So "kneaded!" Gradually the dough became the proper texture and mix. My arms and hands had a workout.
The Cooking Pan varies some use a skillet, but this family uses a "cookie sheet" type of pan with edges raised up on the sides. The pan "looks" like it is made of iron, like the skillets?
More olive oil is used to coat the surface. The dough is carefully gently pressed around the pan and edges. The remaining dough layer is on top. It feels springy yet soft to the touch.
Grandpa is singing out loud! He is like an artist, joy in working and playing!
Tomato/herbal mixture sauce coming right up! Pour carefully and smell the fresh fragrance of authentic sauce!
What Next? Of course, thick layer of farm fresh mozzarella cheese or other local cheese. OH SO RICH AND CREAMY
Table Flower Decoration
Top with another generous drizzle of fresh aromatic olive oil. Don't forget to include oil the edges of dough around the impending event.
The oven is heated to perfection, thanks to Grandpa. It is not a "stove oven" combination but a circular inside shape and heated by wood and fire. The oven has an inside tray to lay the pizza sheet on securely.
Grandpa picks up the heavy pan and carefully slips it into the waiting "heated cave."
"Now" we call in the family! In they come bringing home made delights of their own to share! Set the table/tables! All ages are here. Some local musician friends enter with their instruments and snacks, ready the joy of music and feast with us.
Pets are here too, but they enjoy their food bowls away from us for a little while.
Furry Friends are clever, silent, and fast! They love to sneak our food away!
Grandpa is Dancing~
"Life, I offer you my hand, let's dance."
THEN I WOKE UP FROM MY DREAM!
It was 4: AM. I opened my eyes and looked around.
WHERE'S MY PIZZA? It's not here? Then I realized:
It was a Dream Pizza, but it was (and is) realistic, like a complete movie in my imagination?
REEL TIME
What ingredients would your dream pizza include? Who would be at the party?
"IMAGINE"
*Dahlis Roy: Visionary Artist, Author, Photographer, and Tai Chi Instructor (certified, retired)
Resource:
PBS.org WNIT, South Bend , IN and Michiana area. Program Under the Radar Michigan, Michigan Pizza: interviews with various restaurants, many other topics include, art, music, Michigan Travel, museums, history and more
* Jet's Pizza in St. Joseph, Michigan (SW Michigan) The original pizza recipe from Sicily with fresh natural ingredients no added sugar or salt.
* From the Jet's Pizza Box, EST. 1978:
"Every day we slice our veggies by hand. It's not easy but no one said being better was easy. Plus we only buy fresh produce. Nuff Said."
* NOTE: I receive no compensation of any kind from personal recommendations in this blog or any other media.
