Sometimes... sometimes I just want a recollected flavor. And that's a tricky business... because memories of flavors (like memories of anything else) can be elusive. Like most Americans of a certain age (yes... I really just used that phrase), my pizza-eating started with pepperoni. And like a first love, I compare all other pizzas to that first explosive taste.
Was it actually good? I doubt it.
Would I like THAT specific pizza today? I doubt it.
But sometimes I just can't shake the desire. So... to make something with those remembered tastes but palatable to me NOW...
I make my really good crust, use great pepperoni from Teitel Brothers, along with good fresh mozzarella and a sprinkling of Parm and, instead of sweet gloppy tomato sauce, I drain some canned San Marzano tomatoes, sauté a whole lot of chopped garlic in EVOO for a minute, and then squish the tomatoes through my hands, add a tablespoon or so of fresh oregano and mix.
I ladle some sauce (NOT A LOT!!!) on the dough, carefully place a ton of thin-sliced pepperoni around, and then cover with the cheeses (NOT A LOT!!!) and bake.
Both the old me and the OLD me are quite happy with the result!
