OK this is not about cooking. After a mere 30 years hiatus without frozen
pizzas I was tempted to try some tonight, California Pizza Kitchens were on
sale for 5 bucks for a thin crust whatever. I got a chicken and garlic and
a Sicilian. Heated up the C&G then sat down with a bottle of Mondavi
Chardonnay.

OK, not entirely bad. Tasty, crust was flavorful and residual moisture was
good, a good garlic flavor - not bad. Perhaps I have been too hard on these
latter day frozen pizzas. When I was a kid we ate them out of sheer
desperation. They were terrible. So dry as I recall that it took a quart
of water to get one of those bitches down.

So of all the millions of these things available, which is worth it? I am
willing to experiment. I also got a couple of Di Giorno thin crust pizzas.
2 for 10 bucks. They seem to actually have real ingredients on them

Paul

Paul M. Cook said...

> OK this is not about cooking. After a mere 30 years hiatus without
> frozen pizzas I was tempted to try some tonight, California Pizza
> Kitchens were on sale for 5 bucks for a thin crust whatever. I got a
> chicken and garlic and a Sicilian. Heated up the C&G then sat down with
> a bottle of Mondavi Chardonnay.
>
> OK, not entirely bad. Tasty, crust was flavorful and residual moisture
> was good, a good garlic flavor - not bad. Perhaps I have been too hard
> on these latter day frozen pizzas. When I was a kid we ate them out of
> sheer desperation. They were terrible. So dry as I recall that it took
> a quart of water to get one of those bitches down.
>
> So of all the millions of these things available, which is worth it? I
> am willing to experiment. I also got a couple of Di Giorno thin crust
> pizzas. 2 for 10 bucks. They seem to actually have real ingredients on
> them
>
> Paul


Paul,

As per merryb's recommendation, Trader Joe's Pizza Margherita is a VERY
tasty frozen pizza. Made in Italy, according to the mention on the box.
It's a thin crust pizza.

You could add some extra toppings to it before, during or after baking I
suppose.

I paid $4/ea. iirc. 12" pizzas.

Enjoy,

Andy

Andy <q> wrote in :

> You could add some extra toppings to it before, during or after baking
I
> suppose.
>
> I paid $4/ea. iirc. 12" pizzas.
>
> Enjoy,
>
> Andy
>
>

If you are going to add stuff to frozen...why not make one from scratch?
And if you like thin crust using a tortillia for the crust and the BBq
Grill is allowed. You do need a stone or a pie pan though so it can be
removed from the hot grill. If you pre cook stuff like the sausage or
bacon you can pump them out fairly quickly after the grill gets to the
700F range.

--

The house of the burning beet-Alan

It'll be a sunny day in August, when the Moon will shine that night-
Elbonian Folklore

hahabogus said...

> If you are going to add stuff to frozen...why not make one from scratch?


Just 'cause you can make a scratch pizza for breakfast doesn't mean I should
too <VBG>

The topic WAS frozen pizza, ya BUM!!!

Andy

"Paul M. Cook" > wrote
>
> So of all the millions of these things available, which is worth it? I am
> willing to experiment. I also got a couple of Di Giorno thin crust
> pizzas. 2 for 10 bucks. They seem to actually have real ingredients on
> them
>

Di Giorno thin crust is my favorite. The seasoning is good, to me. I like
the whole wheat best. Unlike
pasta, pizza is something I can stand in whole wheat. That said, I only
buy them when they are on sale.

Andy wrote:
> Paul M. Cook said...
>
>> So of all the millions of these things available, which is worth it?
>> I am willing to experiment. I also got a couple of Di Giorno thin
>> crust pizzas. 2 for 10 bucks. They seem to actually have real
>> ingredients on them
>>
>> Paul
>
>
> Paul,
>
> As per merryb's recommendation, Trader Joe's Pizza Margherita is a
> VERY tasty frozen pizza. Made in Italy, according to the mention on
> the box. It's a thin crust pizza.
>
(sigh) Not everyone has a TJ's within a 200-300 mile radius.

In article >, Andy <q> wrote:

> As per merryb's recommendation, Trader Joe's Pizza Margherita is a VERY
> tasty frozen pizza. Made in Italy, according to the mention on the box.
> It's a thin crust pizza.
>
> You could add some extra toppings to it before, during or after baking I
> suppose.
>
> I paid $4/ea. iirc. 12" pizzas.
>
> Enjoy,
>
> Andy

I see this recommendation a lot, but the broccoli on top stops me every
time. No one mentions the broccoli, but the two Trader Joe's near me
stock a pizza margherita with broccoli florets on top. Not your typical
ingredient.

Is there a different one without broccoli to which you all are
referring, or do you all like the broccoli there without comment?

marcella

In article <b%Bsi.27275$Ya1.3138@trnddc06>, says...
> OK this is not about cooking. After a mere 30 years hiatus without frozen
> pizzas I was tempted to try some tonight, California Pizza Kitchens were on
> sale for 5 bucks for a thin crust whatever. I got a chicken and garlic and
> a Sicilian. Heated up the C&G then sat down with a bottle of Mondavi
> Chardonnay.
>
> OK, not entirely bad. Tasty, crust was flavorful and residual moisture was
> good, a good garlic flavor - not bad. Perhaps I have been too hard on these
> latter day frozen pizzas. When I was a kid we ate them out of sheer
> desperation. They were terrible. So dry as I recall that it took a quart
> of water to get one of those bitches down.
>
> So of all the millions of these things available, which is worth it? I am
> willing to experiment. I also got a couple of Di Giorno thin crust pizzas.
> 2 for 10 bucks. They seem to actually have real ingredients on them
>


I agree that frozen pizza have improved greatly over the past few years.
They still don't rival a good fresh made one, of course, but the better
ones can be quite tasty and they are certainly convenient. I find that
California Pizza Kitchen is one of the best brands. I also like Amy's a
lot. For more traditional styles, DiGiorno is OK but tends to be a bit
too salty. I like Red Baron's deep dish supreme pizza. Cooking on a
preheated pizza stone makes for a crisper crust.

--
Peter Aitken

On 2007-08-03, Paul M. Cook > wrote:

> OK, not entirely bad.

Wow. That's a ringing endorsement. But, I understand your
frustration. The quality of pizza, in any form, is truly abysmal,
anymore, even from brick/mortar pizza joints.

> So of all the millions of these things available, which is worth it? I am
> willing to experiment. I also got a couple of Di Giorno thin crust pizzas.
> 2 for 10 bucks. They seem to actually have real ingredients on them

I love pizza. Unfortunately, I haven't had a truly good one in years.
That being said and this being about frozen pizza, I recommend
Freschetta Frozen Pizza. These are from the Schwans company, the one
of delivery truck fame, but are sold in supermarkets. The only one
I'll buy is the Naturally Rising Special Deluxe (ssg, pprni, bllppr,
olv, etc). This particular version, while having an overly large
crust edge which leaves at least one fourth of the pie as empty bread,
is still very moist, actually has flavor, and is a full meal for one
hungry person. Still not a great pizza, but better than most and is
pretty cheap at the usual sale price of $4-5. Definitely better than
Di Giorno, TJ's, and CK.

nb ...eating cold pizza as I type

jmcquown wrote:
>
> Andy wrote:
> > Paul M. Cook said...
> >
> >> So of all the millions of these things available, which is worth it?
> >> I am willing to experiment. I also got a couple of Di Giorno thin
> >> crust pizzas. 2 for 10 bucks. They seem to actually have real
> >> ingredients on them
> >>
> >> Paul
> >
> >
> > Paul,
> >
> > As per merryb's recommendation, Trader Joe's Pizza Margherita is a
> > VERY tasty frozen pizza. Made in Italy, according to the mention on
> > the box. It's a thin crust pizza.
> >
> (sigh) Not everyone has a TJ's within a 200-300 mile radius.

Yeah, I feel very, very, very deprived! I've never been to a TJs (major
whine!). In fact, I never heard of TJs until I started reading RFC.

Sky

--
Ultra Ultimate Kitchen Rule - Use the Timer!
Ultimate Kitchen Rule -- Cook's Choice

Marcella Peek said...

> In article >, Andy <q> wrote:
>
>> As per merryb's recommendation, Trader Joe's Pizza Margherita is a VERY
>> tasty frozen pizza. Made in Italy, according to the mention on the box.
>> It's a thin crust pizza.
>>
>> You could add some extra toppings to it before, during or after baking I
>> suppose.
>>
>> I paid $4/ea. iirc. 12" pizzas.
>>
>> Enjoy,
>>
>> Andy
>
> I see this recommendation a lot, but the broccoli on top stops me every
> time. No one mentions the broccoli, but the two Trader Joe's near me
> stock a pizza margherita with broccoli florets on top. Not your typical
> ingredient.
>
> Is there a different one without broccoli to which you all are
> referring, or do you all like the broccoli there without comment?
>
> marcella


marcella,

The TJ's pizza margherita is the traditional tomato/cheese/basil (red-
white-green) pizza. No extra toppings.

Maybe TJ does a toppings frozen pizza but that wouldn't be margherita would
it?!!

All the best,

Andy

> too salty. I like Red Baron's deep dish supreme pizza. Cooking on a
> preheated pizza stone makes for a crisper crust.
>

Red Baron's Supreme are really good; I can handle a thin-crust
DiGiorno if it has the more traditional toppings, but I bought one
with chicken on it and it was disgusting.


But my frozen-pizza taste buds are trashy - I really like Totinos
(10/$10 when on sale) when I'm in a mood to just pick something up. I
generously slather a round cookie sheet with olive oil and brush it
around the crust on the topside, before baking. One of those guilty
pleasures - and I don't ask anyone else to like them.

N.

jmcquown said...

> Andy wrote:
>> Paul M. Cook said...
>>
>>> So of all the millions of these things available, which is worth it?
>>> I am willing to experiment. I also got a couple of Di Giorno thin
>>> crust pizzas. 2 for 10 bucks. They seem to actually have real
>>> ingredients on them
>>>
>>> Paul
>>
>>
>> Paul,
>>
>> As per merryb's recommendation, Trader Joe's Pizza Margherita is a
>> VERY tasty frozen pizza. Made in Italy, according to the mention on
>> the box. It's a thin crust pizza.
>>
> (sigh) Not everyone has a TJ's within a 200-300 mile radius.


Jill,

Ok, but, in the spirit of the subject, TJs margherita pizza WAS a valid
entry, was it not?

<smootch> <pinch>

Andy

notbob said...

> nb ...eating cold pizza as I type


You should at least defrost it first, ya BUM!!! <G>

Andy

On Aug 3, 9:06 am, "jmcquown" > wrote:
> Andy wrote:
> > Paul M. Cook said...
>
> >> So of all the millions of these things available, which is worth it?
> >> I am willing to experiment. I also got a couple of Di Giorno thin
> >> crust pizzas. 2 for 10 bucks. They seem to actually have real
> >> ingredients on them
>
> >> Paul
>
> > Paul,
>
> > As per merryb's recommendation, Trader Joe's Pizza Margherita is a
> > VERY tasty frozen pizza. Made in Italy, according to the mention on
> > the box. It's a thin crust pizza.
>
> (sigh) Not everyone has a TJ's within a 200-300 mile radius.- Hide quoted text -
>

Well not everyone who has multiple TJs close by chooses to shop
there. They drive me out of my skull.

And on the rare occasions when I permit myself the luxury and calories
of pizza, I sure want it to be freshly prepared and cooked just for
me!

Susan B.

On 2007-08-03, Sky > wrote:

> Yeah, I feel very, very, very deprived! I've never been to a TJs (major
> whine!). In fact, I never heard of TJs until I started reading RFC.

Don't feel too deprived. They have some good things and some good
prices on average things (milk prods), but they aren't all that. A
lot of it is yuppie/healthnut hype hiding a few exceptional items. We
finally got a store in our town and I can only think of about half a
dozen things I buy there with any regularity. Their pre-made salads
are iffy, while some of the frozen foods approach inedible. Breads
are good, but produce is a max-pac rip. In short, it's a crap shoot
and alternative shopping option rather than a replacement for a good
supermarket.

nb

notbob wrote:
>
> On 2007-08-03, Sky > wrote:
>
> > Yeah, I feel very, very, very deprived! I've never been to a TJs (major
> > whine!). In fact, I never heard of TJs until I started reading RFC.
>
> Don't feel too deprived. They have some good things and some good
> prices on average things (milk prods), but they aren't all that. A
> lot of it is yuppie/healthnut hype hiding a few exceptional items. We
> finally got a store in our town and I can only think of about half a
> dozen things I buy there with any regularity. Their pre-made salads
> are iffy, while some of the frozen foods approach inedible. Breads
> are good, but produce is a max-pac rip. In short, it's a crap shoot
> and alternative shopping option rather than a replacement for a good
> supermarket.
>
> nb

Thanks for the description, nb. Since I've never been to a TJs, I'm
rather curious to see for myself first-hand what all the hype is about
it. Considering your words, it sounds like a store I'd rarely shop but
might to buy a few select products, perhaps.

Sky

--
Ultra Ultimate Kitchen Rule - Use the Timer!
Ultimate Kitchen Rule -- Cook's Choice

On Aug 3, 10:12 am, notbob > wrote:
> On 2007-08-03, Sky > wrote:
>
> > Yeah, I feel very, very, very deprived! I've never been to a TJs (major
> > whine!). In fact, I never heard of TJs until I started reading RFC.
>
> Don't feel too deprived. They have some good things and some good
> prices on average things (milk prods), but they aren't all that. A
> lot of it is yuppie/healthnut hype hiding a few exceptional items. We
> finally got a store in our town and I can only think of about half a
> dozen things I buy there with any regularity. Their pre-made salads
> are iffy, while some of the frozen foods approach inedible. Breads
> are good, but produce is a max-pac rip. In short, it's a crap shoot
> and alternative shopping option rather than a replacement for a good
> supermarket.

Yeah, as he said, "Don't feel too deprived." We have one about 2
miles away, and almost never go there. Now, not having a close
Penzey's is a different matter
>
> nb

--Bryan

Bobo Bonobo® wrote:
>
> On Aug 3, 10:12 am, notbob > wrote:
> > On 2007-08-03, Sky > wrote:
> >
> > > Yeah, I feel very, very, very deprived! I've never been to a TJs (major
> > > whine!). In fact, I never heard of TJs until I started reading RFC.
> >
> > Don't feel too deprived. They have some good things and some good
> > prices on average things (milk prods), but they aren't all that. A
> > lot of it is yuppie/healthnut hype hiding a few exceptional items. We
> > finally got a store in our town and I can only think of about half a
> > dozen things I buy there with any regularity. Their pre-made salads
> > are iffy, while some of the frozen foods approach inedible. Breads
> > are good, but produce is a max-pac rip. In short, it's a crap shoot
> > and alternative shopping option rather than a replacement for a good
> > supermarket.
>
> Yeah, as he said, "Don't feel too deprived." We have one about 2
> miles away, and almost never go there. Now, not having a close
> Penzey's is a different matter
> >
> > nb
>
> --Bryan

Oh man! This is pure torture <G>. I never heard of Penzey's either
until I started reading RFC. I just want to say I've been there, if
only once (with regard to TJs). I'm sure I'd love to shop frequently at
Penzey's In a way, it's a good thing there isn't one in my neck of
the woods - I'd be tempted to spend more $$ than I should!

Sky

--
Ultra Ultimate Kitchen Rule - Use the Timer!
Ultimate Kitchen Rule -- Cook's Choice

"cybercat" > wrote in message
...
>
> "Paul M. Cook" > wrote
> >
> > So of all the millions of these things available, which is worth it? I
am
> > willing to experiment. I also got a couple of Di Giorno thin crust
> > pizzas. 2 for 10 bucks. They seem to actually have real ingredients on
> > them
> >
>
> Di Giorno thin crust is my favorite. The seasoning is good, to me. I like
> the whole wheat best. Unlike
> pasta, pizza is something I can stand in whole wheat. That said, I only
> buy them when they are on sale.

I got hungry later last night so I popped the Di Giorno into the oven.
Gotta admit it was satisfying. I tossed some parmesan cheese onto it while
it cooled but otherwise left it as is. The sauce was good, crust was crispy
on the outside and tender on the inside - and it actually tasted like bread.
The pepperoni was thick cut and actually had a nice flavor. For a mass
produced product it was OK.

Paul

Sky wrote:
> Bobo Bonobo® wrote:
>>
>> On Aug 3, 10:12 am, notbob > wrote:
>>> On 2007-08-03, Sky > wrote:
>>>
>>>> Yeah, I feel very, very, very deprived! I've never been to a TJs
>>>> (major whine!). In fact, I never heard of TJs until I started
>>>> reading RFC.
>>>
>>> Don't feel too deprived. They have some good things and some good
>>> prices on average things (milk prods), but they aren't all that. A
>>> lot of it is yuppie/healthnut hype hiding a few exceptional items.
>>> We finally got a store in our town and I can only think of about
>>> half a dozen things I buy there with any regularity. Their
>>> pre-made salads are iffy, while some of the frozen foods approach
>>> inedible. Breads are good, but produce is a max-pac rip. In
>>> short, it's a crap shoot and alternative shopping option rather
>>> than a replacement for a good supermarket.
>>
>> Yeah, as he said, "Don't feel too deprived." We have one about 2
>> miles away, and almost never go there. Now, not having a close
>> Penzey's is a different matter
>>>
>>> nb
>>
>> --Bryan
>
> Oh man! This is pure torture <G>. I never heard of Penzey's either
> until I started reading RFC. I just want to say I've been there, if
> only once (with regard to TJs). I'm sure I'd love to shop frequently
> at Penzey's In a way, it's a good thing there isn't one in my
> neck of the woods - I'd be tempted to spend more $$ than I should!
>
> Sky

Penzey's is heaven Just walking in your senses are innundated with herbs
and spices. There are samples set out everywhere for you to "taste" and
recipe cards hanging all over the place, free for taking. I have to stay
away from Penzey's otherwise I'd be buying all kinds of herbs and spices I
actually have no use for!

"jmcquown" > wrote in message
...
> Sky wrote:
>> Bobo Bonobo® wrote:
>>>
>>> On Aug 3, 10:12 am, notbob > wrote:
>>>> On 2007-08-03, Sky > wrote:
>>>>
>>>>> Yeah, I feel very, very, very deprived! I've never been to a TJs
>>>>> (major whine!). In fact, I never heard of TJs until I started
>>>>> reading RFC.
>>>>
>>>> Don't feel too deprived. They have some good things and some good
>>>> prices on average things (milk prods), but they aren't all that. A
>>>> lot of it is yuppie/healthnut hype hiding a few exceptional items.
>>>> We finally got a store in our town and I can only think of about
>>>> half a dozen things I buy there with any regularity. Their
>>>> pre-made salads are iffy, while some of the frozen foods approach
>>>> inedible. Breads are good, but produce is a max-pac rip. In
>>>> short, it's a crap shoot and alternative shopping option rather
>>>> than a replacement for a good supermarket.
>>>
>>> Yeah, as he said, "Don't feel too deprived." We have one about 2
>>> miles away, and almost never go there. Now, not having a close
>>> Penzey's is a different matter
>>>>
>>>> nb
>>>
>>> --Bryan
>>
>> Oh man! This is pure torture <G>. I never heard of Penzey's either
>> until I started reading RFC. I just want to say I've been there, if
>> only once (with regard to TJs). I'm sure I'd love to shop frequently
>> at Penzey's In a way, it's a good thing there isn't one in my
>> neck of the woods - I'd be tempted to spend more $$ than I should!
>>
>> Sky
>
> Penzey's is heaven Just walking in your senses are innundated with
> herbs
> and spices. There are samples set out everywhere for you to "taste" and
> recipe cards hanging all over the place, free for taking. I have to stay
> away from Penzey's otherwise I'd be buying all kinds of herbs and spices I
> actually have no use for!
>
>

(sigh) Not everyone has a Penzey's within a 200-300 mile radius.
yes yes i know i know .... online ordering and all that.

Knit Chic wrote:
>
> "jmcquown" > wrote in message
> ...
> > Sky wrote:
> >
> >> Oh man! This is pure torture <G>. I never heard of Penzey's either
> >> until I started reading RFC. I just want to say I've been there, if
> >> only once (with regard to TJs). I'm sure I'd love to shop frequently
> >> at Penzey's In a way, it's a good thing there isn't one in my
> >> neck of the woods - I'd be tempted to spend more $$ than I should!
> >>
> >> Sky
> >
> > Penzey's is heaven Just walking in your senses are innundated with
> > herbs
> > and spices. There are samples set out everywhere for you to "taste" and
> > recipe cards hanging all over the place, free for taking. I have to stay
> > away from Penzey's otherwise I'd be buying all kinds of herbs and spices I
> > actually have no use for!
> >
> >
>
> (sigh) Not everyone has a Penzey's within a 200-300 mile radius.
> yes yes i know i know .... online ordering and all that.

Yeah, ordering online is just not the same thing as being there in
person!

Sky

--
Ultra Ultimate Kitchen Rule - Use the Timer!
Ultimate Kitchen Rule -- Cook's Choice

"Sky" > wrote

>Oh man! This is pure torture <G>. I never heard of Penzey's either
>until I started reading RFC. I just want to say I've been there, if
>only once (with regard to TJs). I'm sure I'd love to shop frequently at
>Penzey's In a way, it's a good thing there isn't one in my neck of
>the woods - I'd be tempted to spend more $$ than I should!

That's why it was the first thing I did when I found out I was going
to Boston last fall ... looked up where Penzey's was. About time
I got to say I went to one in person.

Why they don't have one by Delicious Orchards near me, I don't
know.

nancy

Paul M. Cook wrote:
> OK this is not about cooking. After a mere 30 years hiatus without frozen
> pizzas I was tempted to try some tonight, California Pizza Kitchens were on
> sale for 5 bucks for a thin crust whatever. I got a chicken and garlic and
> a Sicilian. Heated up the C&G then sat down with a bottle of Mondavi
> Chardonnay.
>
> OK, not entirely bad. Tasty, crust was flavorful and residual moisture was
> good, a good garlic flavor - not bad. Perhaps I have been too hard on these
> latter day frozen pizzas. When I was a kid we ate them out of sheer
> desperation. They were terrible. So dry as I recall that it took a quart
> of water to get one of those bitches down.

I've never had a bad KPK frozen. The first one I had was a Thai, and
that may still be my favorite version.

> So of all the millions of these things available, which is worth it? I am
> willing to experiment. I also got a couple of Di Giorno thin crust pizzas.
> 2 for 10 bucks. They seem to actually have real ingredients on them

If you're near a Trader Joe's, they have a brand called Primerro that
I enjoy.


--
Blinky RLU 297263
Killing all posts from Google Groups.
Except in Thunderbird, which can't filter that well.
The Usenet Improvement Project: http://blinkynet.net/comp/uip5.html

hahabogus wrote:
> Andy <q> wrote in :
>
>> You could add some extra toppings to it before, during or after
>> baking
> I
>> suppose.
>>
>> I paid $4/ea. iirc. 12" pizzas.
>>
>> Enjoy,
>>
>> Andy
>>
>>
>
> If you are going to add stuff to frozen...why not make one from
> scratch?

There's quite a difference between perhaps spending one minute cutting
up and tossing some extra sausage and peppers on a frozen pizza and
making a pizza from scratch.


--
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Except in Thunderbird, which can't filter that well.
The Usenet Improvement Project: http://blinkynet.net/comp/uip5.html

notbob wrote:
> On 2007-08-03, Sky > wrote:
>
>> Yeah, I feel very, very, very deprived! I've never been to a TJs (major
>> whine!). In fact, I never heard of TJs until I started reading RFC.
>
> Don't feel too deprived. They have some good things and some good
> prices on average things (milk prods), but they aren't all that. A
> lot of it is yuppie/healthnut hype hiding a few exceptional items. We
> finally got a store in our town and I can only think of about half a
> dozen things I buy there with any regularity. Their pre-made salads
> are iffy, while some of the frozen foods approach inedible. Breads
> are good, but produce is a max-pac rip. In short, it's a crap shoot
> and alternative shopping option rather than a replacement for a good
> supermarket.

Not mentioned is that you can actually walk out of TJ's having paid
*less* for same-or-better-quality stuff than from the mainstream
grocery. I thought it was just an upscale-new-age-yuppie joint, myself,
until I started shopping there.


--
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Except in Thunderbird, which can't filter that well.
The Usenet Improvement Project: http://blinkynet.net/comp/uip5.html

Sky wrote:

> Yeah, ordering online is just not the same thing as being there in
> person!

No samples.

--
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Paul M. Cook wrote:

> I got hungry later last night so I popped the Di Giorno into the oven.
> Gotta admit it was satisfying. I tossed some parmesan cheese onto it while
> it cooled but otherwise left it as is. The sauce was good, crust was crispy
> on the outside and tender on the inside - and it actually tasted like bread.
> The pepperoni was thick cut and actually had a nice flavor. For a mass
> produced product it was OK.

Seconded. Not special; but good value for the effort spent.


--
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Except in Thunderbird, which can't filter that well.
The Usenet Improvement Project: http://blinkynet.net/comp/uip5.html

Peter A wrote:
> In article <b%Bsi.27275$Ya1.3138@trnddc06>, says...
>> OK this is not about cooking. After a mere 30 years hiatus without
>> frozen pizzas I was tempted to try some tonight, California Pizza
>> Kitchens were on sale for 5 bucks for a thin crust whatever. I got a
>> chicken and garlic and a Sicilian. Heated up the C&G then sat down
>> with a bottle of Mondavi Chardonnay.
>>
>> OK, not entirely bad. Tasty, crust was flavorful and residual
>> moisture was good, a good garlic flavor - not bad. Perhaps I have
>> been too hard on these latter day frozen pizzas. When I was a kid
>> we ate them out of sheer desperation. They were terrible. So dry as
>> I recall that it took a quart of water to get one of those bitches
>> down.
>>
>> So of all the millions of these things available, which is worth it?
>> I am willing to experiment. I also got a couple of Di Giorno thin
>> crust pizzas. 2 for 10 bucks. They seem to actually have real
>> ingredients on them
>
> I agree that frozen pizza have improved greatly over the past few
> years. They still don't rival a good fresh made one, of course, but
> the better ones can be quite tasty and they are certainly convenient.
> I find that California Pizza Kitchen is one of the best brands. I also
> like Amy's a lot. For more traditional styles, DiGiorno is OK but
> tends to be a bit too salty. I like Red Baron's deep dish supreme
> pizza. Cooking on a preheated pizza stone makes for a crisper crust.

I just looked up my ZIP at Amy's website's location finder, wondering
where they were sold, as I didn't recognize the name. I figured they
were regional. Heck, they're all around me, including the mainstream
super where I do most of my shopping. I have to stop napping in the
freezer aisles.

But my main reason for posting is that Amy's makes a "Margherita Pizza".
I've seen that name tossed around regarding Trader Joe's, and I thought
it was a brand name. Guess it's a style. Can't be the ones from TJ's,
because these aren't promoted as being imported and the ones form TJ's
seeem to be Italian.

http://www.amys.com/products/images/400/00199.jpg

As long as I'm at the site, here are Amy's pizza 18 pizza offerings:

http://www.amys.com/products/categor...rod_category=3


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"Paul M. Cook" wrote:
>
> OK this is not about cooking. After a mere 30 years hiatus without
> frozen pizzas I was tempted to try some tonight, California Pizza
> Kitchens were on sale for 5 bucks for a thin crust whatever.

As I recall, that brand has aluminum compounds in it
used in the baking powder to make it self-rising.
Although the link between aluminum and Alzheimer's
is widely seen as discredited, why take the chance?

Trader Joe's has a really great frozen vegetable
and pesto pizza that I ate a lot, before learning
that carbs were making me fat. They also have
an excellent frozen mushroom pizza.

Blinky the Shark wrote:
> Paul M. Cook wrote:
>> OK this is not about cooking. After a mere 30 years hiatus without frozen
>> pizzas I was tempted to try some tonight, California Pizza Kitchens were on
>> sale for 5 bucks for a thin crust whatever. I got a chicken and garlic and
>> a Sicilian. Heated up the C&G then sat down with a bottle of Mondavi
>> Chardonnay.
>>
>> OK, not entirely bad. Tasty, crust was flavorful and residual moisture was
>> good, a good garlic flavor - not bad. Perhaps I have been too hard on these
>> latter day frozen pizzas. When I was a kid we ate them out of sheer
>> desperation. They were terrible. So dry as I recall that it took a quart
>> of water to get one of those bitches down.
>
> I've never had a bad KPK frozen. The first one I had was a Thai, and

CPK. No, I wasn't *trying* to say "Kalifornia".

> that may still be my favorite version.


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Blinky the Shark wrote:
>
>
> But my main reason for posting is that Amy's makes a "Margherita Pizza".
> I've seen that name tossed around regarding Trader Joe's, and I thought
> it was a brand name. Guess it's a style. Can't be the ones from TJ's,
> because these aren't promoted as being imported and the ones form TJ's
> seeem to be Italian.
>
> http://www.amys.com/products/images/400/00199.jpg
>
> As long as I'm at the site, here are Amy's pizza 18 pizza offerings:
>
> http://www.amys.com/products/categor...rod_category=3
>
>

Pizza Margherita is about the simplest and tastiest pizza you can
possibly have. It has a minimalist topping of tomatoes (not sauce),
cheese and basil. A good one will have some bubbles and a little
charring from the hot oven. I can't imagine how a frozen pizza would
compare to that.

On Aug 3, 8:30?am, Andy <q> wrote:

> The TJ's pizza margherita is the traditional
> tomato/cheese/basil (red-white-green) pizza.
> No extra toppings.

I looked in my TJ's (Northern CA) about an hour ago.
The only pizza with broccoli was the pesto pizza. The
margherita was broc-free. Only speaking for my TJ's.

On Aug 3, 1:50?am, "Paul M. Cook" > wrote:
> OK this is not about cooking. After a mere 30 years hiatus without frozen
> pizzas I was tempted to try some tonight, California Pizza Kitchens were on
> sale for 5 bucks for a thin crust whatever. I got a chicken and garlic and
> a Sicilian. Heated up the C&G then sat down with a bottle of Mondavi
> Chardonnay.
>
> OK, not entirely bad. Tasty, crust was flavorful and residual moisture was
> good, a good garlic flavor - not bad. Perhaps I have been too hard on these
> latter day frozen pizzas. When I was a kid we ate them out of sheer
> desperation. They were terrible. So dry as I recall that it took a quart
> of water to get one of those bitches down.
>
> So of all the millions of these things available, which is worth it? I am
> willing to experiment. I also got a couple of Di Giorno thin crust pizzas.
> 2 for 10 bucks. They seem to actually have real ingredients on them
>
> Paul

Di Giorno's thin crust 4 Cheese is our choice for frozen pizza. We
add our own toppings - generally green onion, mushrooms, and black
olives (if I can sneak them past my DH) and a bit of salami, sausage,
or leftover chicken if we have it around. I dance a little basil or
oregano over the top and some freshly grated Parm. We cook it directly
on the oven rack & the crust crisps up pretty well. Scratch home made
crust would probably be better, but for us pizza is a fallback "Mama
really doesn't feel like cooking meal" and the Di Giorno's is a
perfectly adequate starting point.
Nancy T

On 2007-08-03, Blinky the Shark > wrote:
> notbob wrote:

>> Don't feel too deprived. They have some good things and some good
>> prices.....

> Not mentioned is that you can actually walk out of TJ's having paid
> *less*.....

Mentioned, but apparently not comprehended. Obviously ....at least to
me.... "good prices" translates to "less". Perhaps I assume too much.

nb

On Aug 3, 12:31 pm, Sky > wrote:
> Bobo Bonobo® wrote:
>
> > On Aug 3, 10:12 am, notbob > wrote:
> > > On 2007-08-03, Sky > wrote:
>
> > > > Yeah, I feel very, very, very deprived! I've never been to a TJs (major
> > > > whine!). In fact, I never heard of TJs until I started reading RFC.
>
> > > Don't feel too deprived. They have some good things and some good
> > > prices on average things (milk prods), but they aren't all that. A
> > > lot of it is yuppie/healthnut hype hiding a few exceptional items. We
> > > finally got a store in our town and I can only think of about half a
> > > dozen things I buy there with any regularity. Their pre-made salads
> > > are iffy, while some of the frozen foods approach inedible. Breads
> > > are good, but produce is a max-pac rip. In short, it's a crap shoot
> > > and alternative shopping option rather than a replacement for a good
> > > supermarket.
>
> > Yeah, as he said, "Don't feel too deprived." We have one about 2
> > miles away, and almost never go there. Now, not having a close
> > Penzey's is a different matter
>
> > > nb
>
> > --Bryan
>
> Oh man! This is pure torture <G>. I never heard of Penzey's either
> until I started reading RFC. I just want to say I've been there, if
> only once (with regard to TJs). I'm sure I'd love to shop frequently at
> Penzey's In a way, it's a good thing there isn't one in my neck of
> the woods - I'd be tempted to spend more $$ than I should!

They're not really expensive. You can order online, and I think if
they don't have a presence in your state, it's sales tax free, so that
cuts a bit off the shipping cost. One advantage to having one close
is being able to taste/smell the spices at the store. I recommend the
Aleppo Pepper. I used a tiny pinch in the zucchini I'm making for my
wife tonight. I also used a tiny bit of garlic and black pepper, and
French sea salt. The zucchini is sauteed in EVOO, and served tossed
with linguine.

You can buy 4 oz of good bay leaves from Penzey's for $6.49. That's
not expensive.
http://www.penzeys.com/cgi-bin/penze...bayleaves.html
>
> Sky
>
--Bryan

notbob wrote:
> On 2007-08-03, Blinky the Shark > wrote:
>> notbob wrote:
>
>>> Don't feel too deprived. They have some good things and some good
>>> prices.....
>
>> Not mentioned is that you can actually walk out of TJ's having paid
>> *less*.....
>
> Mentioned, but apparently not comprehended. Obviously ....at least to
> me.... "good prices" translates to "less". Perhaps I assume too much.

Less price. Not less quality.


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Knit Chic wrote:
> "jmcquown" > wrote in message
> ...
>> Sky wrote:
>>> Oh man! This is pure torture <G>. I never heard of Penzey's either
>>> until I started reading RFC. I just want to say I've been there, if
>>> only once (with regard to TJs). I'm sure I'd love to shop
>>> frequently at Penzey's In a way, it's a good thing there isn't
>>> one in my neck of the woods - I'd be tempted to spend more $$ than
>>> I should!
>>>
>>> Sky
>>
>> Penzey's is heaven Just walking in your senses are innundated
>> with herbs
>> and spices. There are samples set out everywhere for you to "taste"
>> and recipe cards hanging all over the place, free for taking. I
>> have to stay away from Penzey's otherwise I'd be buying all kinds of
>> herbs and spices I actually have no use for!
>>
>
> (sigh) Not everyone has a Penzey's within a 200-300 mile radius.
> yes yes i know i know .... online ordering and all that.

Trust me, it's not the same and I feel for ya'. It took a long time to get
a Penzey's near me

Blinky the Shark wrote:
> hahabogus wrote:
>> Andy <q> wrote in :
>>
>>> You could add some extra toppings to it before, during or after
>>> baking
>> I
>>> suppose.
>>>
>>> I paid $4/ea. iirc. 12" pizzas.
>>>
>>> Enjoy,
>>>
>>> Andy
>>>
>>>
>>
>> If you are going to add stuff to frozen...why not make one from
>> scratch?
>
> There's quite a difference between perhaps spending one minute cutting
> up and tossing some extra sausage and peppers on a frozen pizza and
> making a pizza from scratch.

I don't eat pizza often enough to want to deal with making the dough, making
the sauce, chopping the toppings, etc. I've made pizzas from scratch, sure,
but since I'm not a big pizza fan why bother? I usually get those "deli"
pizzas from the grocery store (not frozen) and doctor them up. They often
come 2 for $5 for a large pie; I freeze the 2nd one for later.

Jill