L'Italo-Americano

THURSDAY, MAY 18, 2023 www.italoamericano.org 28 L'Italo-Americano I n the late '90s, dur- ing my high school days, one of my clos- e s t f r i e n d s i n t r o - d u c e d m e t o h e r newfound obsession: Nutel- la pizza. It was a time when this unique dessert was a n o v e l t y , a n d m y f r i e n d insisted that it was the most scrumptious creation ever. Curiosity piqued, I hopped into her car one evening, and together we embarked on a mouthwatering adventure. Arriving at the local pizzeria, w e i n d u l g e d i n a s l i c e o f Nutella pizza that would for- ever leave an imprint on our taste buds. Since then, I've l o s t c o u n t o f h o w m a n y t i m e s I ' v e r e l i s h e d t h i s delightful treat, but each bite continues to captivate me because Nutella pizza per- fectly combines two of Italy's most beloved comfort foods: freshly baked bread dough and chocolate. Some might argue that Nutella pizza isn't much dif- f e r e n t f r o m w a r m b r e a d topped with creamy choco- late spread. And while they may share similarities, if you've experienced it, you know it's a whole new level of indulgence. Perhaps it's the slight crunchiness of the pizza dough, the way it gen- tly melts the Nutella, or sim- ply the idea of enjoying pizza as a dessert that makes it so good. Back in the '90s, Nutella pizza was relatively new, but over the years, it has soared t o b e c o m e o n e o f I t a l y ' s f a v o r i t e d e s s e r t s . I n h e r b o o k , D o l c i : I t a l y ' s Sweets, Francine Segan, a renowned food historian and writer, notes that Nutel- la pizza holds a special place i n t h e h e a r t s o f I t a l i a n s . While conducting research for the volume, she inter- viewed a hundred random Italians, asking for their top ten favorite Italian desserts. After the expected mentions of classic delights like can- t u c c i , p a n e t t o n e , a n d tiramisù many respondents — n o t w i t h o u t a h i n t o f embarrassment, she says — confessed their love for pizza alla Nutella. Indeed, this p l a i n b a k e d p i z z a d o u g h smeared with the popular chocolate-hazelnut spread had earned its place among the most cherished desserts. Further evidence of the widespread adoration for Nutella pizza comes from the association Mani d'Oro, f o u n d e d i n 2 0 1 5 t o s a f e - g u a r d t h e h e r i t a g e o f Neapolitan pizza. Driven by an unwavering passion for t h i s t r a d i t i o n a l a n d renowned delicacy, Attilio Albachiara, a master pizza maker, took the initiative to e s t a b l i s h t h e M a n i d ' O r o a s s o c i a t i o n . A t t h e heart of their mission lies the preservation and promo- tion of the art of Neapolitan pizza-making to safeguard its authentic essence from its humble origins to the pre- sent day. In response to the growing trend of improvised pizza-making techniques, the misuse of ingredients, and the prevalence of pre- p a c k a g e d a n d f a s t - f o o d c h a i n s , M a n i d ' O r o h a s taken a proactive approach: they actively organize train- ing courses and engaging workshops, specifically tai- lored for pizza masters and owners of pizzerias. Through these initiatives, participants refine their dough-making t e c h n i q u e s , h o n i n g t h e i r skills to perfection. A n d i f e v e n t h e p e o p l e at Mani d'Oro write gush- ingly about it, then Nutella pizza must have really made i t i n t o t h e " O l y m p u s " o f pizza creations. Many pizza makers have even ventured into making dedicated sweet doughs by combining flour, milk, and cocoa. These sug- ary bases are then rolled out a n d b a k e d i n w o o d - f i r e d ovens before being adorned with Nutella and a variety of other delectable toppings, including Nutella biscuits and M&Ms, or even cubed b a b b à . A n d t h e n c r e a m , jams, seasonal fresh fruits, f a n c y c o o k i e s , a n d e y e - catching decorations that c o u l d r i v a l f u l l - f l e d g e d cakes: the possibilities for Nutella pizza creations are endless. Personally, when I make it at home, I like to add some sliced banana or strawberries to it, and a dol- l o p o f w h i p p e d c r e a m , o f course. Because everything i s b e t t e r w i t h w h i p p e d cream! T h i s i r r e s i s t i b l e a n d delectable twist on tradition- al pizza finds favor not only a m o n g a d u l t s b u t a l s o a m o n g t h e y o u n g e s t a f i - cionados. Although purists of pizza may raise an eye- brow, and health-conscious consumers may shy away from high-sugar content, the reality is that sweet pizzas h a v e s e c u r e d a p l a c e o n menus in numerous pizze- rias in Italy. Nutella pizza continues to captivate taste buds and win over hearts, representing the harmonious fusion of com- forting freshly baked bread dough and the irresistible allure of chocolate. What started as a novelty in the ' 9 0 s h a s n o w b e c o m e a beloved dessert across Italy. So, the next time you find y o u r s e l f c r a v i n g a t r u l y indulgent treat, seek out a Nutella pizza and experience t h e m a g i c f o r y o u r s e l f . Whether you enjoy it in its classic form or opt for cre- ative variations, this delight- f u l f u s i o n o f f l a v o r s w i l l surely leave you longing for more: it's the perfect harmo- ny of comfort and chocolate and it certainly gained an honorable place in the realm of Italian desserts! Remember, though, that moderation is key. Enjoy the occasional Nutella pizza as a special treat, savoring each delectable bite. Let it trans- port you back to a time when the flavors of childhood and the joy of discovery merged, creating a memory that will linger long after the last slice has been devoured. CHIARA D'ALESSIO Pizza alla Nutella is very simple: a pizza base covered with chocolate and hazelnut spread (Photo: Maye Adel/Shutterstock) Indulge in the delightful world of Nutella pizza: a fusion of comfort and chocolate LIFESTYLE FASHION FOOD ARTS ADVICE

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