On November 12th, it's time for anchovy lovers to step aside as other pizza enthusiasts celebrate by loading up their pies with an array of toppings. This yearly pizza celebration shines a spotlight on favorites like olives, pepperoni, sausage, peppers, and onions.

History

• Origins: While the specific origins of National Pizza with the Works Except Anchovies Day are unclear, pizza itself has a long and rich history. Modern pizza originated in Naples, Italy, in the late 18th century, and has since become a popular dish worldwide. This day likely emerged as a playful way to celebrate a fully loaded pizza while acknowledging that anchovies are a polarizing topping for many.

Significance

National Pizza with the Works Except Anchovies Day holds significant importance for several reasons:

1. Culinary Delight: It celebrates the joy of enjoying a pizza with a variety of delicious toppings, catering to different tastes and preferences.
2. Creativity: It encourages culinary creativity, allowing people to experiment with various combinations of toppings.
3. Community and Sharing: It provides an opportunity for friends and family to come together and share a favorite meal, fostering a sense of community and enjoyment.

How to Make a Pizza with the Works Except Anchovies

Ingredients:

• Pizza dough
• Tomato sauce
• Shredded mozzarella cheese
• Variety of toppings: pepperoni, sausage, mushrooms, onions, bell peppers, olives, bacon, ham, spinach, pineapple, etc. (excluding anchovies)
• Olive oil
• Italian seasoning (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat Oven:
   • Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C).
2. Prepare the Dough:
   • Roll out the pizza dough on a floured surface to your desired thickness. Transfer the dough to a greased baking sheet or pizza stone.
3. Add Sauce and Cheese:
   • Spread a layer of tomato sauce over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the sauce.
4. Add Toppings:
   • Arrange a variety of toppings over the cheese. Feel free to get creative with the combinations, but remember to exclude anchovies.
5. Bake:
   • Drizzle a little olive oil over the top of the pizza and sprinkle with Italian seasoning if desired. Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned.
6. Serve:
   • Remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.

Topping Ideas for Pizza with the Works (Except Anchovies)

1. Meats:

   • Pepperoni: A classic and favorite topping that adds a spicy kick.
   • Sausage: Italian sausage, either mild or spicy, provides a savory flavor.
   • Bacon: Crispy bacon bits add a smoky, salty taste.
   • Ham: Diced ham adds a touch of sweetness.
   • Chicken: Grilled or roasted chicken pieces for a protein boost.

2. Vegetables:

   • Mushrooms: Sliced mushrooms add an earthy flavor.
   • Onions: Red, white, or caramelized onions provide sweetness and texture.
   • Bell Peppers: Colorful bell peppers add a sweet and crunchy element.
   • Olives: Black or green olives for a briny, salty taste.
   • Spinach: Fresh spinach adds a healthy, leafy green component.

3. Extras:

   • Pineapple: For a sweet and tangy flavor.
   • Jalapeños: Add a spicy kick with fresh or pickled jalapeños.
   • Artichoke Hearts: For a tender, slightly tangy addition.
   • Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Intense tomato flavor with a chewy texture.

Ways to Celebrate

1. Host a Pizza Party:

   • DIY Pizza Bar: Set up a DIY pizza bar with a variety of toppings (except anchovies) and let guests create their custom pizzas.
   • Pizza Tasting: Make several different pizzas with the works (except anchovies) and have a pizza tasting party with friends and family.

2. Visit a Pizzeria:

   • Local Favorites: Visit a local pizzeria known for its specialty pizzas and order a pizza with the works, excluding anchovies.
   • Special Deals: Look for pizzerias offering special deals or promotions on National Pizza with the Works Except Anchovies Day.

3. Get Creative at Home:

   • Homemade Pizza: Try making homemade pizza from scratch, experimenting with different dough recipes and topping combinations.
   • Pizza Art: Get creative with your toppings and arrange them to create fun designs or messages on your pizza.

4. Share on Social Media:

   • Photos and Recipes: Share pictures of your pizza creations and favorite topping combinations on social media using hashtags like #PizzaWithTheWorksDay and #NoAnchovies.
   • Virtual Pizza Party: Host a virtual pizza party with friends and family, where everyone makes their pizzas and shares their creations online.

5. Learn About Pizza:

   • Pizza History: Read about the history of pizza and its evolution from a simple dish in Naples to a global phenomenon.
   • Pizza-Making Techniques: Watch videos or take a class to learn professional pizza-making techniques, from dough preparation to perfecting the bake.

Fun Facts About Pizza

1. Popular Dish: Pizza is one of the most popular foods in the United States, with Americans eating approximately 3 billion pizzas each year.
2. World Records: The largest pizza ever made was 122 feet, 8 inches in diameter and was prepared in Rome, Italy, in December 2012.
3. Diverse Toppings: While pepperoni is the most popular pizza topping in the U.S., other countries have unique favorites, such as corn and mayonnaise in Japan and green peas in Brazil.

Inspirational Quotes About Pizza

1. "There’s no better feeling in the world than a warm pizza box on your lap." – Kevin James
2. "Pizza makes me think that anything is possible." – Henry Rollins
3. "You can’t make everyone happy. You’re not pizza." – Unknown

Conclusion

National Pizza with the Works Except Anchovies Day is a celebration of one of the most beloved and versatile foods. Whether hosting a pizza party, visiting a local pizzeria, getting creative at home, or sharing on social media, there are many ways to enjoy this fun and delicious day. National Pizza with the Works Except Anchovies Day encourages everyone to indulge in a pizza loaded with their favorite toppings, highlighting the joy of culinary creativity and the simple pleasure of a great pizza.