Today is another WIAW over at Jenn’s blog! I’m posting for this early again since I usually blog at night…

Eating this guy:

pita, salsa, pepper jack…put it under the broiler…

Meri-garita Pizza (bad, horrible pun… I’m ashamed…)

Got one thing on my mind…


Pizza!


This one is just an easy peasy pita pizza, but over the years my pizza eatin’ has gone in phases! Who’s ready for a trip down foodie lane? (Cue the music)…


As I ate an english muffin with salsa and cheese on it the other day, I was suddenly transported to my childhood, where we frequently made homemade pizza. First we would make the dough from a mix, and carefully spread it out on the cookie sheet. From there, I got to help make the layers of sauce, veggies, cheese, and more. Often I was in charge of my own section since I didn’t eat the meat with everyone else. The crust was particularly delicious and doughy, and I can still almost smell the oregano…


In high school, I went through a distinct “delivery pizza” phase (as teenagers do), that directly coincided with my time as an “athlete.” I would go to a Cross Country Running meet, come home, and polish off 3/4 of a large pie. Wowza. These days, the thought of that makes me a tad ill. Favorites were Little Caesars, House of Pizza, and Papa Johns.


When I got to college, we spent nearly every night freshman year getting personal deep dish pizzas or calzones at Davanni’s. It sure supplemented my meal plan nicely (but sadly depleted my bank account). As I got a bit older, I got a job at the incredible, legendary Punch Pizza. This stuff will change your life, I swear. I don’t eat it as frequently now because I’m cheap, but when I could get my own pizza for less than 2 dollars? Those were the days.

I love you forever, Punch…

Then I moved to Madrid. In order to keep the American portion of the student body at my slightly international school satisfied, the university offered single slices of stuffed crust pizza. I doubt a day went by that I didn’t waste 2 euro on this crap. Somehow 3 euro for a delicious bocadillo of tortilla espanola with cheese seemed like a rip off only for days of exams or “special occasions,” but 2 euro for Papa John’s garbage was a steal? What DID I learn at college?

cheese overkill…

Moving on, I recall my first New Years Eve spent with Man-go-round (4 1/2 years ago, wow!) We bought a foccacia circle from Kowalskis, bought some fresh basil, tomatoes, and fresh mozz, and threw it in the oven. My love for homemade pizza was reborn! The champagne likely helped.


As far as pizza while traveling or in other cities is concerned, I’ve been a bit spoiled by Punch and also have not traveled to Italy. Perhaps my most noteworthy pies on the road have been Lombardi’s in NYC, or the slices the size of a suitcase at the Swiss Airport?


As a wrap-up, I’ll do a REAL quick list of my Twin Cities faves:
Galactic (for the superhero delivery drivers, if nothing else), Luce (for the vegan options), Mesa (for the simplicity and proximity), Punch (the old guard), Leaning Tower of Pizza (for the drink specials), Davanni’s (for the memories).

Faster than a speeding go-kart!

What are some of your pizza memories?


And one more thing, of course- cant forget Munch Madness ! I gotta say, I’m disappointed that all of my grandstanding for the pepper wasn’t quite enough…


Yep, Sweet potatoes win! 23-20. I do love sweet potatoes, especially with ketchup, but I can’t get the aroma and flavor of a nice roasted red pepper quite out of my mind… 


And for tonight- another tough one. I will feature both the winner and loser in a recipe coming soon:


Banana vs. Strawberry! Vote it up!


Meri