LCBO Food & Drink Early Summer 2021

FIRE IT UP!

6 To recreate charred and chewy restaurant pizza at home, a pizza stone or steel makes all the difference. Made of ceramic or steel, it absorbs and retains the intense heat of the grill, simulating the base of a commercial pizza oven. This essential tool will transform your backyard into a neighbourhood pizzeria and turn out perfect pies every time. You can find pizza stones and steels at most housewares stores—Lee Valley (leevalley.com) carries a set of four square stones, which can be placed together for one large pizza or spaced separately for individual pies. TURN YOUR GRILL INTO A PIZZA OVEN

GRILLED “PIZZAAL TONNO” WITH TOMATO &

HERB SALAD Recipe on page 132

The right tools

Rolling pin— to roll out the dough (though a wine bottle will do in a pinch). Pizza stone or steel— for a crisp crust. Pizza peel— a wood or metal spatula-like tool for transferring the pizza from counter to grill and back again. Pizza wheel— to make quick work of cutting a pizza.

Pizza Perfection Make sure to have all your ingredients prepped and at the ready, just as a pizzaiolo would. This allows you to work quickly and not get pulled away from the task at hand. Avoid leaving toppings on the dough for too long, or it will get soggy and be tricky to transfer. And always keep a bowl of flour handy to lightly dust any surfaces the dough touches, such as your work surface, rolling pin or pizza peel. PRO TIP: Semolina flour makes sliding a pizza off the peel a breeze.

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EARLY SUMMER 2021 FOOD & DRINK