Calzone’s have always been a popular item sold by Italian street vendors or at lunch counters throughout Naples, but over time, the calzone we now know today holds a deeper and larger purpose.
What exactly is a calzone and why has it gained so much popularity in pizza parlors and restaurants for so many generations?
Calzone, like pizzas, originated in Naples, Italy during the 18th century. This Italian style turnover is a half-moon pocket of pizza or bread dough that is stuffed with a warm and gooey blend of ricotta, mozzarella and parmesan cheese alongside an assortment of hearty meats and vegetables, with its outer crust baked or fried to crispy perfection.
Unlike pizza, however, which can incorporate only a limited amount of toppings, calzones can be stuffed with ingredients: garlic, olives, capers, anchovies, artichoke hearts, mushrooms, peppers, prosciuttos and other savory types of food that simply wouldn’t fit on a pizza all at once. The choice of stuffing for calzones is practically endless.
Minsky’s Pizza, a popular and award-winning pizza parlor in Kansas City, Missouri, owing to their love and passion for delicious and handmade calzones, has made it official after an approval from National Day Calendar. Originally begun in 2016 to celebrate Minsky’s 40th anniversary, pizza lovers can enjoy their love for pizza for one whole day and celebrate National Calzone Day every November 1st. National Calzone Day has since been a huge success and shows no sign of slowing down.
Calzones have the rare benefit of the element of surprise. Unlike pizza that gives it all up as soon as it lands on the table, a calzone creates an air of anticipation and excitement before a group as they are waiting to see the incredible ingredients inside. Every bite of this unveils a different layer of flavor that people can’t surely get enough of.
Today, there are over a hundred different recipes for calzone ranging from the classic to the more evolved and modern with an infinite variety of toppings. There is no surprise that a lot of people drool at the sight of a burnished, puffy crescent oozing mozzarella and ricotta at the seams as calzones are fully packed with flavor. Whether you are planning an elegant dinner party or having a football game night with your buddies, calzone is the perfect food to serve as it has always been easy and crowd-pleasing.
This November 1st, do not forget to celebrate the National Calzone Day!
Be it your own making or ordered from one of the best restaurants in your city, show your love and savor and enjoy these hot and cheesy pockets of pure goodness for one whole day with your friends and family.
