Pizza Day

Good Morning, Today is November 12th.
We will be celebrating the following:

Elizabeth Cady Stanton Day
Happy Hour Day
National Fancy Rat And Mouse Day
National French Dip Day
Origami Day
World Pneumonia Day
Celebrating The Life Of Aaron Swartz
National Chicken Soup For The Soul Day
National Pizza With The Works Except Anchovies Day

National Pizza with the Works Except Anchovies Day is celebrated to enjoy and appreciate a fully loaded pizza, minus anchovies. It is a day to savor the classic combination of toppings, such as pepperoni, sausage, mushrooms, peppers, onions, and cheese, and share it with family and friends. The holiday is a fun way to celebrate one of the world’s most beloved foods.

The history of pizza in the United States is a story of cultural adaptation and innovation. Pizza, as it is known today in the U.S., is a blend of Italian traditions and American creativity. Here's a brief history:

1. Early Italian Immigration (Late 19th and Early 20th Century): Pizza made its way to the United States with Italian immigrants who arrived in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The first pizzerias were established in Italian-American neighborhoods, with the first documented pizzeria in America, Lombardi's, opening in New York City in 1905.

2. Authentic Neapolitan Pizza: These early pizzerias primarily served authentic Neapolitan-style pizza, characterized by a thin, hand-tossed crust, tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese, and various toppings.

3. Pizzerias in America: Over the years, more pizzerias opened in the U.S., often run by Italian families. Pizzerias like Totonno's (1924) and John's of Bleecker Street (1929) in New York City became iconic establishments known for their traditional pizzas.

4. Post-World War II Boom (Mid-20th Century): The popularity of pizza surged in the United States after World War II, thanks to returning soldiers who had developed a taste for pizza while stationed in Italy. The demand for pizza led to a proliferation of pizzerias across the country.

5. American Innovation: American pizza began to evolve in the mid-20th century. It embraced new ingredients and styles, which resulted in variations such as Chicago deep-dish pizza, which features a thicker, doughier crust and ingredients layered in reverse order, with cheese and toppings below the sauce.

6. Chain Pizza Restaurants: The 1950s and 1960s saw the emergence of pizza chain restaurants, including Domino's, Pizza Hut, and Little Caesars. These chains contributed to the widespread popularity of pizza and introduced fast food delivery options.

7. Frozen Pizza: In the mid-20th century, the development of frozen pizza made it more accessible for home consumption. It was invented by Rose Totino in 1951, and frozen pizza options continue to be a staple in American supermarkets.

8. Diverse Toppings: American pizzerias began to offer a wide range of toppings beyond the traditional ingredients, including pepperoni, sausage, peppers, mushrooms, and more.

9. Pizza Culture: Pizza became a significant part of American culture and food, making its way into mainstream movies, television shows, and advertisements. It also became a popular choice for quick, casual dining and family gatherings.

10. Pizza Competitions and Innovations: The United States has become home to various pizza competitions and innovation in the pizza industry, including the creation of unique and unusual toppings and crust styles.

Today, the American pizza landscape is incredibly diverse, with regional variations and artisanal pizzerias that continue to innovate and push the boundaries of what pizza can be. While some Americans prefer traditional Neapolitan-style pizza, others enjoy deep-dish, stuffed crust, or unique creations that reflect the multicultural and inventive spirit of the United States. Pizza remains a favorite food for many and has firmly established itself as a beloved dish in American cuisine.