Pizza, my pizza, oh how I a-dough you!
Ancient Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans ate flatbreads with toppings, but the dish that is most similar to modern-day pizza originated in Naples, Italy, at a time when the working class needed an inexpensive meal that could be eaten quickly.
Legend has it that King Umberto I and Queen Margherita visited Naples in 1889 and dined on various pizzas. The Queen's favorite was topped with white mozzarella cheese, red tomatoes, and green basil — the colors of the Italian flag. This combination of toppings is called Margherita to this day.
Pizza was relatively unknown in the United States until the 1940s when large numbers of Italian immigrants settled in New York. Soon the smell of baking pizza filled the air, enticing Italians and non-Italians alike. Today, almost a third of Americans say they eat pizza at least once a week!
Whether you prefer Chicago deep dish or New York style by the slice, here are five fun ways to help you celebrate National Pizza Day on February 9, National Pepperoni Pizza Day on September 20, or any time you have a craving!
1. Start with a giggle.
Pizza lover or not, we think this joke can't be topped, even if it is a tad cheesy! It all depends on your delivery.
2. Visit a local pizza place.
There's no shortage of great pizza places in Douglas County! Here are just a few of our favorites:
- 212 Pizza Co., 848 N. Ridge Rd., Castle Rock
- Artisan Pizza Co., 12311 Pine Bluffs Way #107, Parker
- Colonna's, 1215 S. Parker Rd., Parker (another location in Centennial)
- Jet's Pizza, 19878 E. Hilltop Rd., Parker (and several other nearby locations)
- Mici Italian, 9245 S. Broadway, Highlands Ranch (and other nearby locations)
- Parry's Pizzeria & Taphouse, multiple locations, including Castle Rock, Highlands Ranch, and Parker
3. Learn a fun fact.
The Pizza Planet truck featured so prominently in Toy Story and Toy Story 2 has been included as an Easter egg in every Pixar movie except for 2004's The Incredibles. Have you spotted it in one of your favorites?
4. Movie + pizza = perfect family night!
Toy Story isn't the only movie with a supreme spot for pizza. Here are a few other movies where some form of pizza makes a special cameo appearance — or has a leading role. Watch one while enjoying a slice or two.
Click on any title to borrow it from our Douglas County Libraries:
- Toy Story and Toy Story 2 (G)
- Back to the Future Part II (PG)
- Home Alone (PG)
- Spaceballs (PG)
- Eat, Pray, Love (PG-13)
- Spider-Man 2 (PG-13)
- Wayne's World (PG-13)
5. Any kind, any time!
Pizza is perfect not just because it's delicious, but you can make it to include all four food groups: grains, dairy, protein, and veggies!
We've got a few recipes to help you serve it up for breakfast, dinner, or even dessert.
- Breakfast: Egg Pizza
- Lunch or Dinner: Grilled Pizza
- Lunch or Dinner: Pizza Casserole
- Snacktime: Pizza Roll-Ups
- Snacktime: Pizza Pockets
- Dessert: Fruit Pizza with a Sugar Cookie Crust
