June 25, 2024
Welcome to Ski House: How to Use Our Pizza Oven
Welcome to Ski House! We're excited to share a quick guide on using our pizza oven, ensuring you have the best experience possible.
Getting Started
1. Gather Your Supplies:
- Hardwood: We provide clean-burning hardwood that lasts a long time.
- Fire Starters & Lighters: Essential for getting the fire going.
- Paper Sacks: Great fire starters, especially if you've been grocery shopping.
2. Setting Up the Fire:
- Place a paper sack in the oven.
- Add a couple of fire starters next to the wood on both sides.
- Arrange the wood in a "T" style.
Heating the Oven
1. Building the Fire:
- Light the fire and maintain it for about 3 hours, adding wood as needed.
- Once the fire is well-established, move it to the back of the oven to create great coals.
2. Preparing the Surface:
- Use a pizza peel to clear a space for your pizza.
- Use a natural fiber brush dipped in water to clean the surface, but be cautious with water to avoid damaging the tiles.
- Alternatively, use a metal brush that doesn’t require water.
Cooking Your Pizza
1. Checking the Temperature:
- The oven should be between 700°F and 800°F. Use a heat thermometer to check.
2. Preparing the Door:
- Keep the door wet by spraying it with water using the nearby hose. This helps regulate the temperature.
3. Cooking the Pizza:
- Sprinkle cornmeal on the pizza peel for easy sliding.
- Place the pizza in the oven and keep an eye on it. Move it around a few times for even cooking.
Pizza Recipe Tips
1. Classic Margherita Pizza:
- Ingredients: Fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, basil leaves, olive oil, and a pinch of salt.
- Tip: Use fresh, high-quality mozzarella and basil for the best flavor. Drizzle a bit of olive oil over the top before baking.
2. Pepperoni Pizza:
- Ingredients: Tomato sauce, mozzarella, pepperoni slices.
- Tip: For an extra crispy crust, pre-bake the dough for a few minutes before adding toppings.
3. Veggie Delight:
- Ingredients: Bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, olives, mozzarella, tomato sauce.
- Tip: Sauté the vegetables lightly before adding them to the pizza to enhance their flavors and prevent sogginess.
4. BBQ Chicken Pizza:
- Ingredients: BBQ sauce, cooked chicken, red onions, cilantro, mozzarella.
- Tip: Mix a bit of BBQ sauce with the chicken before spreading it on the pizza for a more intense BBQ flavor.
5. Four Cheese Pizza:
- Ingredients: Mozzarella, parmesan, gorgonzola, and ricotta.
- Tip: Sprinkle a little bit of dried oregano and garlic powder on top for an extra layer of flavor.
Cleaning the Oven
1. After Cooking:
- Wait for the oven to cool off before cleaning.
- Use a snow shovel and a brush to remove ashes, disposing of them in the garden area.
2. Final Touches:
- Use construction-type paper towels to wipe off soot.
- Dispose of used towels in the garbage.
Thank you for taking care of our pizza oven and enjoying a delicious pizza experience at Ski House!