Cornmeal mixed with water makes polenta, a form of corn mush. Baked polenta serves as the basis for many types of pizzas that originated from northern and central Italy. It is also the prime ingredient in pizza minestre, one of the simplest, yet most satisfying pizza combinations ever — a modern version of the hearthcakes baked on stones and eaten with broths made from wild greens.
Generally, though, the role of cornmeal is less romantic . . . it is sprinkled on oiled pizza pans before the dough is pressed into the pan to prevent sticking. Not very glamorous, yet most of us unconsciously appreciate the added crunch it gives to our pizza crusts. Cornmeal is an important ingredient in the crusts of every pizza shipped to you from The Gourmet Pizza Club®, your favorite Pizza of the Month Club. We use stone-ground coarse cornmeal for the best flavor and superior texture. (Not a lead singer, you can think of cornmeal as a trusted back-up singer who contributes to the success of every pizza performance, whether it is in or under the crust — or both!)
THIS IS SO CORNY . . .
Corn is a tall American cereal grass, a cornerstone of our diet and daily lives. The edible kernels are a source of corn oil, cornstarch, cornmeal, corn flour, corn syrup, corn sugar and even corn whiskey. We eat it, drink it, cook with it, feed it to our livestock, and even incorporate it into our vocabulary — how corny is that?
GOT IT? FLAUNT IT!
We may have unearthed one of the best ways to make a lasting impression when picking up the tab for a pizza. Treat that special someone to a trip to the New York Pizzeria Industry Kitchen and order the pizza with the edible 24-karat gold strips on top. The price tag? A mere $2,000.00. That would be totally unforgettable — on so many levels.
Take a Close Look at this Month’s Pizza Selections . . . Please see individual pizza labels for how to bake the perfect CHICAGO DEEP DISH PAN CRUST PIZZA.
#1 — VEGILICIOUS GOURMET PIZZA – The pan crust is covered with our sweet creamy Alfredo Sauce, made with heavy cream, Romano cheese, butter, eggs, flour and salt. Beneath the Mozzarella, you’ll discover Spinach, Asparagus, and Artichoke Hearts!
#2 — THAI CHICKEN GOURMET PIZZA – This Thai-inspired pizza has Spiced Chicken Sausage, Green Onions and Shredded Carrots, muffled in a layer of Mozzarella. The *Spicy Peanut Sauce is a hot, nutty mess! Flavors come from peanut butter, Red Seed of Chile seasoning, and Teriyaki sauce. *CAUTION TO ALL PEANUT ALLERGY SUFFERERS: Please note the sauce on this selection is made with real peanut butter.
#3 — SWEET PIG GOURMET PIZZA – Canadian Bacon, Green Apples and Fresh Thyme snuggle up in their blanket of Mild Cheddar Cheese. The sauce is our special Basil Olive Oil sauce featuring olive and corn oils, Romano cheese and fresh Basil.
