Customer of the Month: Alex Highsmith
Meet our Customer of the Month, Alex Highsmith, the talented NFL player for the Pittsburgh Steelers, and his wonderful wife, Alyssa.
Despite their demanding careers—Alex shining on the football field and Alyssa dedicating her time as an OR nurse—the Highsmiths cherish the moments they can spend at home with family and friends.
Their Authentic Pizza Oven plays a central role in these gatherings, bringing everyone together for delicious meals and quality time.
For Alex and Alyssa, using their wood-fired oven isn't just about making great food; it's about creating cherished memories and grounding themselves in the warmth of home amidst their busy schedules.
Whether it's a casual weeknight dinner or a lively weekend get-together, the Highsmith's find joy and connection around their Authentic Pizza Oven, making every moment special.
Where are you from and a little background on you?
We first met during our college years in Charlotte, North Carolina, where we were both athletes. Our shared passion for sports and competitive spirit brought us closer, fostering a deep connection.
After graduation, our bond continued to strengthen, leading us to tie the knot. Now, a year and a half into our marriage, we reflect fondly on our journey from college athletes to life partners.
Which oven did you choose and why did you choose Authentic Pizza Ovens?
We have the Maximus Portable Pizza Oven, which we chose for its perfect blend of portability and capacity to make large pizzas. Our hectic schedules, with one of us in professional football and the other in OR nursing, demand convenience.
This oven heats up quickly, fitting seamlessly into our fast-paced lifestyle. We appreciate how it allows us to enjoy delicious homemade pizzas without compromising on time, making it an ideal addition to our busy lives.
Related: How-To Video Tutorials of your Authentic Pizza Oven
Did you build your setup yourself or have someone else do it for you?
Since ours is portable, we simply ordered the accompanying stand. The assembly process was straightforward, allowing us to put it together with ease.
The stand's built-in wheels make it incredibly convenient to move around the backyard, giving us the flexibility to change its location as needed.
Additionally, the stand's sleek design matches the style of the oven perfectly, enhancing the overall aesthetic of our outdoor space. We love how seamlessly it blends with our oven, providing both functionality and style.
Related: Maximus Mobile Pizza Oven Stand
What is your favorite thing to cook in your oven? And have you tried other foods besides pizza?
Our favorite thing to cook so far has been a meat pizza. It turned out incredibly crispy and delicious, and the quick cooking time was a pleasant surprise!
As huge pizza lovers, we've focused primarily on various pizza recipes, but we're excited to expand our horizons. We're planning to try all sorts of recipes, experimenting with different dishes to fully utilize the versatility of our oven.
From roasting vegetables to baking bread, we look forward to exploring all the culinary possibilities our oven has to offer.
Favorite Recipe: Meat Pizza with Homemade Crust
Crust:
- Serving size: 1 large pizza
- 1 1/2 cups warm water
- 2 packets (1/4 ounce each) dry yeast
- 2 teaspoons sugar
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil (EVOO)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
Instructions:
- Pour warm water into a large bowl and sprinkle with yeast. Let it stand until foamy, about 5 minutes.
- Whisk in the sugar, oil, and salt.
- Add flour and stir until a sticky dough forms.
- Lightly brush another large bowl with a little olive oil. Place dough inside and drizzle a bit of oil over the top. Cover with plastic wrap and set aside in a warm, draft-free place until dough doubles in size, about 1 hour.
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured work surface and gently knead 1 or 2 times, forming it into a round. Let rest for about 10 more minutes.
- Use or store as is for 1 large pizza, or divide into 4 equal portions for individual pizzas.
Making the Pizza:
- Flour the pizza peel well to ensure the pizza slides off easily into the oven.
- For the topping, use crushed tomatoes. Crush them further in a food processor and season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- Add ham, sausage, pepperoni, and a mix of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese evenly over the pizza.
- Preheat the pizza oven to 600 degrees. Place the pizza in the oven and cook for about 5 minutes, turning constantly until done and ready to eat.
IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN BEING FEATURED AS CUSTOMER OF THE MONTH - please email Amber@authenticpizzaovens.com
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