Cheeses made in small batches at creameries using milk from their own herds or from nearby farms. Like wines, these cheeses have flavors unique to their region and their makers.
To lightly cook ingredients by dropping in boiling water for a very short period. After blanching, ingredients are often plunged in cold water to stop the cooking process.
A high-gluten flour that yields superior results when used in yeasted breads and crusts.
When used in reference to pizza, usually means a very thin-crust pizza topped with unusual or expensive toppings.
A pizza crust folded over to encase toppings and create a half-moon-shaped turnover. Some variations on the calzone include stromboli, panzarotti, and “pizza turnover.”
To heat so that the sugars in foods oxidize on the surface, or “caramelize,” resulting in a browned appearance and slightly sweet flavor. When caramelizing fruits and vegetables, care must be taken to stir often so that surfaces brown without scorching.
When used in reference to pizza, refers to a deep-dish pizza made in a high-sided pan. The crust is very rich and ingredients are layered inside.
A smooth cultured cream with a tart, tangy flavor. Similar to sour cream, it can be made by adding acid to heavy cream and allowing the mixture to stand for several hours.
To cut into small to medium cubes or squares.
An attachment for a stand mixer. A dough hook can be used to stir and knead doughs and heavy batters, instead of hand-kneading.
A mixture of heavy cream and melted chocolate. The proportion of chocolate to cream depends on how the ganache will be used in a recipe.
The process of turning and working dough to develop elasticity and pliability.
The best-known pizza cheese, authentically made from the milk of the water buffalo. Fresh mozzarella is delivered in its own liquid to maintain moisture, while aged can be sold in a variety of shapes. The best mozzarella is dense, rich, and delicate — not at all rubbery.
Literally, the term means “from Naples.” As it relates to pizza, it usually refers to a thin- to medium-crust pie topped lightly with sauce and cheese.
Any dish that includes a crust topped with sweet or savory ingredients. In some circles, pizza is called tomato pie or pizza pie.
A large wooden paddle used to lift pizza to and from a hot oven. A peel is especially useful when baking pizza directly on stones, a brick oven floor, or a grill.
A hard, heat-safe surface for baking pizzas. Pizza stones can be made from actual polished stones or from man-made materials. They mimic the action of a brick or stone oven and allow home cooks to create crisp-crusted breads or pizzas.
Pizza tiles serve the same purpose, and are usually made from the same materials, as a pizza stone. The smaller tiles can be inserted into a baking sheet, making it easy to remove a pizza from the oven without using a peel.
To cook in slow-simmering water until just done. This cooking method is often used for poultry, eggs, salmon, and vegetables.
Pertaining to pizza, usually refers to a very thick-crusted pizza topped with sauce, meats, vegetables, and cheeses — in that order. However, Sicily's indigenous pizza is a very simple, thick bread topped with oil, herbs, and anchovies.
