National Calzone Day
National Calzone Day observed on November 1st celebrates one of the most delicious and convenient Italian creations.
Calzones are basically pizzas in folded forms, stuffed with meats, cheese, savory sauces and veggies to make it the perfect pocket meal which is crispy on the outside and warm and gooey on the inside.
Whether you prefer classic fillings like cheese and pepperoni or you love to experiment with different fillings, National Calzone Day gives you the perfect excuse to cherish this drool worthy treat.
Origin of National Calzone Day
National Calzone Day, celebrated each year on November 1st, was established in 2016 by Minsky’s Pizza in Kansas City to mark the restaurant’s 40th anniversary. The day honors the calzone, a delicious folded pizza that originated in Naples, Italy, during the 1700s as convenient street food. Since its creation, the calzone has become a beloved dish around the world, and National Calzone Day invites everyone to enjoy this savory Italian classic.
History of Calzones
Calzones were born in Naples, Italy during the early 1700s as a compact meal for workers. The term “calzone” is derived from an Italian word which means “pants legs” and reflects its convenient, pocket-friendly nature.
Initially calzones were tiny, crescent shaped and filled with mozzarella, ricotta, olives, and anchovies.
Over the years, they gained popularity as street food across Italy with regional variations like fried panzerotti in Apulia and pastizz in Basilicata, made with pork, eggs, and cheese.
Jewish cuisine were also influenced by calzones as Sephardic communities in Israel started a version called calsones which was filled with local cheese and was consumed during Shavuot.
Calzones have become increasingly popular in the United States, and now they are larger and filled with different ingredients like vegetables, meat, and cheeses
Irrespective of their evolution, calzones are deeply loved by people across the world.
How to Celebrate National Calzone Day
Make calzones at home by filling pizza dough with your favorite ingredients, folding, and baking. It’s a fun activity for the whole family to enjoy personalized creations.
Visit your favorite pizzeria and enjoy a calzone, whether you opt for classic flavors or try something new.
For a group celebration, host a calzone-making party where everyone can create and bake their own calzones. It’s a delicious and interactive way to celebrate.
National Calzone Day is a great excuse to enjoy the flexibility of calzones, from traditional cheese fillings to modern twists. Their portable nature and gooey, cheesy inside make them a perfect treat. Celebrate by indulging in these savory delights!
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