Customer of the Month: Bill and Dawn Forness
Welcome to Authentic Pizza Oven's Customer of the Month feature, where we celebrate passionate individuals who have embraced the culinary journey with their very own wood-fired pizza ovens.
These aficionados are not just pizza enthusiasts; they are architects of flavor, creators of culinary experiences, and guardians of tradition.
For those with a culinary background, owning a wood-fired pizza oven is not just about convenience or indulgence; it's about reclaiming a piece of culinary history and infusing their cooking with authenticity and tradition.
These individuals understand the magic that happens when fire meets food, and they relish the opportunity to bring that magic into their own backyard.
The allure of a wood-fired pizza oven lies in its ability to provide unparalleled flexibility for experimentation. Unlike conventional ovens, which can sometimes feel restrictive, a wood-fired oven empowers chefs to push the boundaries of flavor and creativity.
Whether it's experimenting with unique toppings, perfecting the art of dough making, or exploring different cooking techniques, the possibilities are endless.
Moreover, there's a distinct satisfaction that comes from cooking with a wood-fired oven – a feeling of connection to centuries-old culinary traditions. Wood-fired cooking has been a cornerstone of culinary culture for millennia, dating back to ancient civilizations such as the Greeks and Romans.
In these old-world kitchens, food was cooked simply, yet with a depth of flavor that modern cooking methods often struggle to replicate.
In today's fast-paced world, the relevance of owning a wood-fired pizza oven is more significant than ever. In an era dominated by convenience foods and mass production, there's a growing desire to reconnect with our food and the traditions that surround it.
A wood-fired oven offers a tangible link to the past, reminding us of a time when cooking was a communal activity, and meals were prepared with care and intention.
But beyond nostalgia, a wood-fired pizza oven also represents a return to simplicity and authenticity in cooking. In a society inundated with processed foods and artificial flavors, there's something deeply satisfying about crafting a meal from scratch, using nothing but the finest ingredients and the heat of an open flame.
Meet our customers of the month for April 2024: Bill and Dawn Forness.
The individuals honored as Authentic Pizza Oven's Customers of the Month embody a passion for culinary excellence and a commitment to preserving tradition in a modern world.
Their wood-fired ovens are not just appliances; they are symbols of creativity, craftsmanship, and a deep love for the art of cooking.
Where are you from and a little background information on you?
Originally hailing from St. Louis but now calling Florida home, we both possess culinary backgrounds, though it's been years since we've worked in a professional kitchen.
Bill's focus has been on music, particularly as a Johnny Cash tribute artist for the past 14 years, following a 25-year career.
During a 2022 tour stop in Indiana, where we provided two days of entertainment at a festival, we encountered the novelty of a mobile wood-fired pizza oven.
Intrigued by the concept, we envisioned the potential upon concluding our music tour in January 2023 and settling in Florida.
The idea lingered as we wrapped up our tour, prompting me to delve into research on pizza ovens.
The features of the Maximus Prime from Authentic Pizza Oven resonated perfectly with us, solidifying our decision to venture into this new culinary endeavor.
Which oven did you choose and why did you choose an Authentic Pizza Oven?
Returning to Florida in January 2023, we swiftly launched the Rockabilly Pizza food truck by February.
Opting for the striking red Maximus Prime oven, we're enamored with its performance. Its impressive cooking surface accommodates our needs, while its lightweight construction makes transportation a breeze.
The rear flue design ensures efficient heat distribution, and its ability to stay cool to the touch on the exterior during operation is a significant safety feature.
The attention our bright red oven attracts is well-deserved, given its exceptional functionality and eye-catching appearance.
Did you build a setup or have someone else do it?
Opting for the Maximus Prime, we found the ideal oven for our food truck venture. Its compact size and efficient design make it perfect for mobile operations like Rockabilly Pizza Truck.
We enlisted professional installation services to ensure seamless integration into our setup. With the Maximus Prime onboard, we're equipped to deliver top-notch wood-fired pizza wherever our truck roams.
Its reliability and performance are essential for our business, allowing us to maintain high standards while on the move.
What is your favorite thing to cook in your oven? And have you tried other foods besides pizza?
Over the past year, we've utilized Maximus Prime to prepare thousands of pizzas, showcasing its reliability and versatility.
Beyond pizzas, we've utilized it to cook a variety of dishes, including baby back ribs, chicken wings, toasted ravioli, and our renowned wood-fired Twinkies.
The success of Rockabilly Pizza over the last 12 months has exceeded our expectations, leading us to invest in an additional Maximus Prime oven dedicated solely to prep work.
These ovens consistently meet and surpass our expectations, ensuring that our culinary creations are consistently outstanding.
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Wood-Fired Baby Back Ribs
Ingredients
Baby back ribs
Barbecue sauce of your choice
Dry rub (optional)
Directions
1. Preheat your wood-fired pizza oven to around 225-250°F (107-121°C).
2. Season the ribs with your preferred dry rub (if using).
3. Place the ribs directly on the grill grate of the pizza oven.
4. Let the ribs cook for 2-3 hours, or until they reach your desired level of tenderness.
5. During the last 30 minutes of cooking, brush the ribs generously with barbecue sauce.
6. Once done, remove the ribs from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes before serving.
Wood-Fired Chicken Wings
Ingredients
Chicken wings
Salt and pepper
Your favorite wing sauce or marinade
Directions
1. Preheat your wood-fired pizza oven to around 400-450°F (204-232°C).
2. Season the chicken wings with salt and pepper.
3. Place the wings on a baking sheet or directly on the grill grate.
4. Cook the wings for about 25-30 minutes, turning them halfway through, until they are golden brown and crispy.
5. Toss the wings in your favorite wing sauce or marinade while they're still hot.
6. Serve immediately with celery sticks and ranch or blue cheese dressing.
IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN BEING FEATURED AS CUSTOMER OF THE MONTH - please email Amber@authenticpizzaovens.com
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