Dinner: The Duckor Deluxe Wood-Fired Pizza

Recipe by Matt Duckor Making beautifully charred, wood-fired pizzas at home isn't impossible. With a special pizza-oven attachment, you can instantly turn any kettle charcoal grill into a perfect pie-making machine.

This recipe includes superfoods such as:

Honey, Basil

Health benefits of The Duckor Deluxe Wood-Fired Pizza

Honey, often hailed as a superfood, possesses a wealth of nutritional benefits that make it a valuable addition to a balanced diet. With a glycemic index (GI) of 55 for one tablespoon, honey is considered a moderate GI food. This means it does not spike blood sugar levels as high or as quickly as high-GI foods, making it a better choice for maintaining steady energy levels and supporting overall health.

Rich in antioxidants, including phenolic acids and flavonoids, honey offers protective benefits against oxidative stress and inflammation. These antioxidants can help combat the damage caused by free radicals, which are linked to chronic conditions such as heart disease and cancer. Furthermore, the natural sugars in honey can provide a quick energy boost, making it an excellent option for a pre-workout snack or a natural sweetener in beverages and meals.

Honey's benefits extend beyond its nutritional profile. Its antimicrobial properties make it a natural remedy for wounds and burns, promoting healing by providing a moist environment and acting as a barrier to infection. Additionally, honey has been used for centuries to soothe sore throats and coughs, thanks to its ability to coat the throat and reduce irritation.

However, it's important to consume honey in moderation. While it is a healthier alternative to refined sugar, it is still a form of sugar and can contribute to weight gain and other health issues if consumed in large amounts. For individuals with diabetes or those monitoring their blood sugar levels, it's crucial to account for honey's GI and its effects on blood sugar.

Choosing raw, unprocessed honey can also maximize its health benefits. Raw honey is more likely to retain its antioxidants and other beneficial compounds that can be lost during processing. Incorporating honey into your diet can be as simple as adding it to yogurt, drizzling it over oatmeal, or blending it into smoothies. Its natural sweetness and health-promoting properties make honey a superfood worth including in a healthy, balanced diet.

Ingredients

1 (28-ounce) can whole peeled tomatoes (preferably San Marzano)
Cornmeal (for dusting)
1 pound pizza dough, divided into 2 even balls
Kosher salt, freshly ground black pepper
8 ounces fresh mozzarella, torn into bite-sized pieces, divided
4 medium crimini or button mushrooms (about 2 ounces), thinly sliced, divided
2 ounces thinly sliced cured meats, such as pepperoni, soppressata, and/or salami, divided
1 shallot, thinly sliced into rings, divided
Honey, crushed red pepper flakes, and basil leaves (for serving)

Instructions

Prepare a charcoal grill for high heat, stacking lit coals in the rear of the grill. Add logs to charcoal. Place pizza-oven attachment on grill; place pizza stone on grate.
Let grill reach 800 °F, about 5 minutes. Meanwhile, drain tomatoes in a colander. Crush into small pieces with your hands, drain again, and transfer to a medium bowl.
Lightly dust pizza peel with cornmeal. Working with 1 piece at a time, stretch dough, letting it hang off your fingertips and rotating quickly around the edge, until dough is about 10" in diameter (it doesn't need to be a perfect circle). Transfer dough to prepared pizza peel and top with half of tomatoes; season with salt and pepper. Top with half of cheese, mushrooms, meats, and shallot. Season with salt.
Carefully slide pizza directly onto pizza stone and cook until rear crust begins to bubble and char, 60 –90 seconds. Rotate pizza 180 ° and continue to cook until crust is charred and bubbly on the other side, 60 –90 seconds more.
Using pizza peel or a very large heatproof spatula and tongs, transfer pizza to a cutting board or metal pizza tray. Drizzle with honey and top with red pepper flakes and basil. Slice and serve immediately. Repeat with remaining dough, tomatoes, cheese, mushrooms, meats, and shallot.

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