A Little Pizza History Lesson...
Though difficult to trace, many ancient cultures have influenced the creation of pizza. However, it was not until the 19th century that the first tomato-based variety was served in Naples, Italy. Pizza soon became notorious when, in 1889, it was fashioned after the vibrant colors in the Italian flag using tomatoes, basil, and mozzarella, and served as a special patriotic specialty for Queen Margherita.

This wonderful flat bread found its way to the United States through Italian immigrants and, in 1905, the first pizzeria opened its doors in New York City. Pizza's popularity has steadily escalated to become one of America's favorite foods, and is available in many forms: the frozen assortment, the phone order variety, and those delightful creations made at home with all your favorite toppings.

Homemade pizza experimentation is on the rise. Tomato sauce is being replaced by many other intensely flavored choices, and new topping ingredients are constantly surfacing. What makes homemade pizza so irrisistable is how versatile it can be. You choose the flavors and foods you like best!

Below are some ideas to get you started. Each of the recipes we've created in our Pizza with Pizzazz pizza recipes section starts with our special Basic Pizza Dough for the crust, and then adds a spectacular combination of sauce and toppings. Or, try some inventions of your own! Each homemade pizza you make is an individual creation limited only by your imagination.

Try Something New!
Gather your friends and family, and treat them to a pizza party they'll never forget! Our Pizza with Pizzazz pizza recipes take you beyond sausage and pepperoni, and introduce you to a world of unique taste sensations and creative preparation. From our Tic-Tac-Toe Pizza for kids to the Fabulous Fruit Pizza, each "Italian pie" cooks to perfection on the Presto® Pizzazz® pizza oven, right before your eyes! What a fantastic show-stopper for your next gathering.

Everyone's An Expert!
Here's a great way to get everyone on your guest list involved in the party. Place bowls of mozzarella and cheddar cheeses, cooked sausage, pepperoni, mushrooms, green peppers, onions, olives, and other favorite pizza toppings next to several prepared 7- to 9-inch crusts, slathered with pizza sauce. Invite each guest to zip up their own pizza with the toppings of their choice, and watch them enjoy the fun of seeing their creation cook to perfection on the Presto® Pizzazz® pizza oven.

In A Hurry?
Customize a frozen cheese pizza with your favorite fresh ingredients, such as tomatoes, black olives, pineapple, peppers, shrimp, sausage, or pepperoni.

You can also cut time by simply using a commercially prepared crust in place of the Basic Pizza Dough in our Pizza with Pizzazz pizza recipes. Any of these recipes can be made with your favorite prebaked crust, though cooking times will vary.

The Presto® Pizzazz® pizza oven is available at your favorite retailer
or online at The Consumer Link Presto Online Store.