DIY Pizza and Ditching the Chains!
Recipe of the Week:
Now this recipe is one of mine. And I know you can buy pizza dough and pizzas ready to go, but I always find making your own dough and creating your own topping combos much more satisfying.
This recipe makes a 10-12” pizza, approximately.
Ingredients:
2-2.5 cups (250-295g) of all-purpose flour or bread flour if you prefer
1 packet instant yeast (around 2.25 teaspoons)
1.5 teaspoons sugar
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/8-1/4 teaspoon garlic powder and/or dried basil (optional)
2 tablespoons olive oil
3/4 cup (175ml) warm water
Directions:
Combine 1 cup (125g) of flour, instant yeast, sugar and salt in a large bowl. If desired add your garlic powder and dried basil at this point also.
Add olive oil and warm water and use a wooden spoon to stir very well (I find using the handle of the wooden spoon helps combine this mix easier)
Gradually add another 1 cup (125g) of flour, adding additional flour if needed, sometimes just an extra 1/4 cup may be needed. Stir until the dough is forming into a cohesive, elastic ball and starting to pull away from the side of the bowl. It will still be sticky and manageable with your hands.
Drizzle a clean bowl generously with olive oil ensuring you brush the oil up the sides of the bowl.
Lightly dust your hands with flour form the pizza dough into a round ball and transfer it to the olive oil-brushed bowl. Roll the pizza dough around the bowl so that it takes on a film of olive oil. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and place in a warm place.
Allow the dough to rise for 30 minutes or until doubled in size. I would be preheating the oven during this proving of the dough process, to 425F (215C).
Once the dough has risen, gently deflate it and place it on a lightly floured surface only kneading briefly 3-5 times until it is smooth.
Work the dough into a 12” circle with a rolling pin or your hands.
Place dough onto a parchment-lined pizza pan lightly pinching the edges into fold all around the circle to form a crust when cooked.
Drizzle the dough with olive oil using a pastry brush to ensure the entire area is covered and a fork to make holes all over the centre (this stops the dough from bubbling up in the oven).
Time to add your topping and then bake at 425F (215C) in your preheated oven for around 13-15 minutes or until toppings are golden brown.
Slice and Serve!
And here’s one I made earlier lol:
Ditching the Chains: Why We're Falling in Love with Independent Food Traders
Let's be honest, how many times have you walked past a familiar fast-food chain or a cookie-cutter restaurant and thought, "Meh"? We've all been there. There's a certain comfort in the familiar, sure, but lately, something's been shifting. There's a real buzz around independent food traders, street food vendors, and pop-up food events, and it's not just a fleeting trend – it's a genuine movement. So, what's behind this culinary revolution? Why are we ditching the chains and embracing the unique?
For starters, it's about the experience. Think about it: walking into a brightly lit, standardised restaurant can feel a bit… sterile. It's predictable. You know exactly what you're going to get, and there's not much room for surprise. Now, picture this: you're strolling through a bustling market, the air filled with the tantalising aromas of spices and sizzling meats. You spot a vibrant food truck with hand-painted signage, the owner chatting enthusiastically with customers. The menu is short, focused, and bursting with creativity. Which experience sounds more appealing?
Exactly. It's the personal touch that makes all the difference. Independent food traders are passionate about what they do. They're not just following a corporate recipe; they're pouring their heart and soul into every dish. They're the ones sourcing the ingredients, experimenting with flavours, and interacting directly with their customers. This creates a genuine connection, a sense of community that's simply missing from large chains.
This desire for authentic experiences is a huge driving force behind the rise of independent food. We're tired of mass-produced, generic food. We crave something real, something with a story behind it. We want to know where our food comes from, who made it, and what inspired them. Independent vendors offer that transparency and connection. They're often using locally sourced ingredients, supporting other small businesses, and contributing to the local economy. It feels good to support that, doesn't it?
Then there's the element of discovery. Pop-up food events and street food markets are like treasure hunts for your taste buds. You never know what you're going to find. Maybe it's a Korean fusion taco truck, a stall selling authentic Ethiopian stews, or a baker offering artisanal sourdough doughnuts with unique glazes. These experiences push us outside our culinary comfort zones, introducing us to new flavours and cuisines we might never have tried otherwise. It's exciting! It's adventurous! And it's a welcome change from the same old menu options.
Let’s talk about the vibe, too. Independent food traders often set up shop in unique and interesting locations – think converted warehouses, urban parks, or even someone’s backyard. These settings create a more relaxed and informal atmosphere compared to traditional restaurants. You can grab your food, find a spot to sit or stand and soak up the lively atmosphere. It's a social experience, a chance to connect with friends, family, and even strangers over a shared love of good food.
This shift isn't just about the food itself; it's about a broader cultural shift. We're becoming more discerning consumers, valuing quality, authenticity, and experiences over convenience and brand recognition. We're looking for connections, for stories, for something that feels real. And independent food traders are delivering that in spades.
So, the next time you're feeling peckish, consider skipping the usual suspects and exploring your local independent food scene. You might just discover your new favourite dish, meet some passionate food artisans, and have a truly memorable experience. It’s a win-win for everyone – you get delicious, unique food, and you support local businesses and the vibrant communities they create. It’s more than just a meal; it’s an adventure.
As part of my Dining Spotlight of the Week, I am going to be pointing out as many independent food providers across the globe and if you know of any recommendations that you would like to see in the newsletter, please feel free to drop me a line:
Dining Spotlight of the Week:
OK, so this week I would like to “spotlight” an independent food vendor in Loganville, Georgia - A Bite to Eat who is racking up some great reviews: the video below contains a sample and in the description of this you will see links to even more reviews.
You can find A Bite to Eat on their website:
And also their FaceBook page:
I hear their Stuffed Pitta Pockets, which also have a Veggie option are a specialty people can not get enough of. If you live in the area or plan to visit, bookmark their links!
Foodie Tip of the Week: Master the Art of Meal Prepping! 🍽️✨
Want to save time in the kitchen and avoid the midweek scramble? Meal prepping is your new best friend! Dedicate a few hours on the weekend to prepare and portion out your meals for the week ahead. Cook in bulk, chop veggies, and store everything in airtight containers. It’ll make healthy eating a breeze and keep you from reaching for unhealthy snacks. Plus, you’ll get to enjoy home-cooked goodness every day without the stress! Happy prepping! 🥗💪
Reader Recipe Corner: Share Your Culinary Creations! 🍽️
We want to hear from you! Do you have a cherished recipe that brings your family together? Maybe a secret dish that never fails to impress? Share your culinary creations with us! Submit your favourite recipe, along with a photo, and get a chance to be featured in our next newsletter. Let's celebrate the joy of cooking together—your delicious ideas could inspire fellow food lovers!
Click the button below to send us your recipes! We can't wait to see what you've been cooking up! 🥘❤️
Fun Food Fact: The Wonders of Honey! 🍯
Did you know that honey never spoils? Archaeologists have discovered pots of honey in ancient Egyptian tombs that are over 3,000 years old and still perfectly edible! This natural sweetener has unique antibacterial properties and a low moisture content, making it incredibly shelf-stable. So, next time you drizzle honey on your toast, remember you’re enjoying a timeless treat that has stood the test of time! 🐝✨
Closing Thoughts: Until Next Week! 🌟
As we wrap up this week’s edition of Foodie Scribbles, we hope you’re feeling inspired to get into the kitchen and whip up some delightful dishes! Don’t hesitate to experiment with the recipes, indulge in the flavours of our featured restaurant, and explore seasonal ingredients that are just waiting for your culinary touch.
We’d love to hear from you! Share your cooking adventures, dining experiences, or your own tips and tricks. Your insights are what make our foodie community flourish!
And don’t miss our next issue, where we’ll dive into more delicious recipes and explore even more unique dining spots to fuel your culinary wanderlust! Until next time, keep cooking, keep tasting, and keep sharing the joy of food! 🍽️❤️✨
Some more of my FREE Newsletters:
