National Calzone Day

A smiling person, dressed in a chef's hat and apron, holding a large calzone on a wooden cutting board in a sunny kitchen.. — National calzone day illustration

Hey there, folks! Are you ready to sink your teeth into some cheesy and delicious goodness? Well, get ready, because today is National Calzone Day!

When is Calzone Day?

It's national calzone day on the 1st November.

The Origin of National Calzone Day

Have you ever wondered how this glorious day dedicated to the humble Italian turnover came to be? Well, my friends, let me take you on a journey through the annals of the internet.

While the exact origins of National Calzone Day remain a mystery, we can all agree that the calzone itself is a culinary masterpiece. It's like a pizza that folds itself into a warm embrace, hiding all its scrumptious secrets within.

Celebrating National Calzone Day

So, how does one properly celebrate this cheesy occasion? It's simple, my friend. Head over to your favorite Italian joint or fire up the oven at home, because it's time to create a calzone extravaganza!

Start by selecting your desired fillings. Do you want a classic combo of melty mozzarella, tangy tomato sauce, and spicy pepperoni? Or perhaps you prefer a veggie-filled delight with fresh mushrooms, bell peppers, and juicy olives? The possibilities are endless!

Once you have your fillings ready, it's time to tackle the dough. You can use store-bought pizza dough or flex your culinary muscles by making your own. Roll out the dough into a circle, and then pile your fillings on one side of the circle, leaving a border around the edges.

Carefully fold the other half of the dough over the fillings, creating a semi-circle. Seal the edges with a bit of water or beaten egg, ensuring no cheesy goodness escapes during baking.

Now, pop that calzone into the oven and let it bake until golden brown and oozing with cheesy goodness. The wonderful aroma filling your kitchen will draw everyone to the table with eager anticipation.

Once your calzone is perfectly baked, take it out of the oven and allow it to cool for a few minutes. Then, slice it open, revealing the steamy, cheesy filling within. It's like unwrapping a delicious present, only better!

A Fun Calzone Fact

Okay, folks, time for a fun fact to enhance your National Calzone Day festivities! Did you know that the word 'calzone' actually means 'stocking' or 'trouser' in Italian? Why, you ask? Well, it's because the shape of the folded dough resembles a little trouser leg or stocking. Isn't that absolutely delightful?

History behind the term 'Calzone'

18th century

Pizza's stuffed cousin

In the 18th century, the precursor to the calzone was born in Naples, Italy. This unique dish was known as the 'pizza imbottita,' which translates to 'stuffed pizza.' It consisted of dough folded or rolled around various fillings such as cheese, meat, and vegetables. The pizza imbottita was smaller in size compared to its open-faced counterpart, but just as delicious.

19th century

Calzone takes its name

During the 19th century, the pizza imbottita evolved further, adopting the name we know today - calzone. The term 'calzone' translates to 'trouser' or 'stocking' in Italian. The name likely originated from the folded shape of the dough, resembling folded pants or a sock. This portable and convenient meal quickly became popular among workers and the lower classes who needed a satisfying and filling meal.

20th century

Calzone's American journey

In the early 20th century, Italian immigrants brought the calzone recipe to the United States. The dish gained popularity in Italian-American communities, particularly in cities like New York and Chicago. Calzones were typically baked until golden and served with marinara sauce for dipping. It soon became a staple offering in pizzerias across the country, recognized as a delicious alternative to traditional pizza.

Present day

Calzone variations and global popularity

Today, calzones have become a beloved dish enjoyed worldwide. While the traditional calzone filled with cheese, meat, and vegetables remains popular, there are now countless variations available. Some include creative fillings like seafood, spinach, or even dessert fillings like Nutella and bananas. Calzones are often customized to suit individual preferences and dietary restrictions. This tasty and versatile folded pizza continues to captivate taste buds and remain a delightful culinary creation.

Did you know?

Did you know that the word 'calzone' actually means 'stocking' or 'trouser' in Italian? It's because the shape of the folded dough resembles a little trouser leg or stocking. Isn't that absolutely delightful?