Kids are getting so hard to whelm. Some time ago, a few friends with kids called over for a big long lunch, and Jean suggested that I let the little ones decorate their own pizzas.
Turns out the kids were way less interested in topping pizzas than I was. So I kept it simple, throwing on tomato sauce, mozzarella, a little ham, plus a few olives for Jean’s little girl.
I’ve seen pizza bases in the local SuperValu, retailing for a somewhat hefty €6.69, although I picked them up in Gleeson’s of Booterstown. You can also get them in Liston’s.
I’ve never made a base from scratch, and I’m not sure I’d be bothered, so this is the next best thing. My friend Phoebe used to make the most delicious pizzas any of us have ever tasted, spending hours generously kneading her way through copious amount of strong white flour. But we were never satisfied and wanted more. Turned out it was too much work for one person. Phoebe moved away.
So, are these bases with your own toppings cheaper than a manky frozen pizza? Course not. Is it worth it?
Well, yes…
When you make your own tomato sauce – just throw a few glugs of olive oil in the pan, throw in some basil (ideally fresh but use dry if you have it), add a jar of pomodoro or tinned tomatoes and reduce on a pan with a dash of balsamic and a spoon of sugar – plus the bases and a half-decent cheese, you’ll be shelling out around €9 if you get your cheese and tomato ingredients in Lidl, Aldi, or an ethnic store. Then, add in whatever extra ingredients you have lying around and it might come closer to €10-12, or more if you go to a more expensive shop.
For this money, you’re getting three 12 inch pizzas, of restaurant quality, with one of the lightest, crispest, and most delicious pizza bases I’ve ever tasted. I’ve since made my own pizzas, topping them with anchovies (mmmmmmmchovies), capers, and olives, and I think they make a nicer, and much cheaper treat than what’s on offer in the likes of Domino’s or your local chipper.
And no…
Over €6.50 seems a little bit hefty for three (albeit delicious) pizza bases in a supermarket. Ultimately it’s just fancy bread.
On balance…
In spite of the irking cost of the bases, I reckon this treat represents good value, and perhaps your family will find making them more interesting than my friend’s kids did.