Pizza On the Screen Porch
July 9, 2026
Sunday pizza has become one of the anchors of our week. It started because everyone in this house loves pizza. John began making bread a couple of years ago, then his dough routine grew into enough for loaves and three pizzas. He is serious about the dough. I am serious about eating the pizza, and I love being in charge of the toppings. There is something I love about the rhythm of it. John gets up and makes dough. Later we make dough balls. In the evening I start pulling out toppings and making sauce. The sauce is simple: San Marzano tomatoes, olive oil, seasoning, and enough flavor to let the dough and toppings shine.
We usually make one cheese pizza because it is a favorite. I started adding cream cheese before the sauce and then layering several shredded cheeses on top, and that little change made the cheese pizza feel special. We usually make pepperoni too, because everyone loves it. The third pizza is the creative one: whatever we have on hand or whatever idea sounds too good not to try.
When the pizza oven on the screen porch is hot, everything moves fast. John turns the pizzas with the long metal paddle, and they cook in about three minutes. Then everybody gathers around the kitchen island, and we eat from the giant wooden cutting board. It is not formal, and that is why it works. It brings everyone into the kitchen. It gives the week a good anchor. It is food, teamwork, and time together.
With love and intention,
Jennifer
