Customer of the Month: David Kopel

Why Authentic Pizza Oven?

Featuring the Pizzaioli Oven & 38 Years of Flavorful Entrepreneurship

David spent time researching wood-fired ovens before deciding which one was right for his backyard. After speaking with Penny from Authentic Pizza Ovens, the decision became clear.

“I was so impressed with her knowledge and passion for the ovens,” says David. “She helped me narrow down my choice to the Pizzaioli Pizza Oven. No other brand compared.”

What sealed the deal?

• Handmade in Portugal
• Built with brick, not clay
• Triple insulation for safer, more efficient cooking
• A stunning terracotta brick facade that’s always a conversation starter

Read more about the real, traditional brick Authentic Pizza Oven.

The Custom Set-up

David didn’t stop at just purchasing an oven—he brought in his friend Joel Gordon to help build a setup worthy of the Pizzaioli.

Joel designed a custom wood hoist to carefully lift the oven into place. They laid a leveled cement base and used Cambridge bricks in rich earth tones to create a beautiful and durable foundation.

“It was a labor of love,” David says. “We wanted the oven to feel like part of the backyard, not just an add-on.”

Beyond Pizza: Cooking in the Pizzaioli 

Yes, pizza is a given—but the Kopels have taken their oven cooking to the next level. Some of their go-to favorites?

In a cast iron skillet:

• Little Potato Company’s Little Duos
• Scallops & Shrimp
• Corn tortillas, lightly charred and perfect for dipping in salsa
• And for dessert: Wood-fired apple pie with ice cream 

They’ve also shared some of their favorite recipes and photos with us—which you might spot soon on our recipe page!

Related: Cast Iron Cooking in Your Wood-Fired Pizza Oven

Wood-Fired Apple Pie with Ice Cream

An irresistible dessert with a rustic twist—caramelized apples, flaky crust, and wood-fired flavor served à la mode.

IngredientsFor the filling:

• 6 medium apples (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or a mix), peeled and sliced
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter, cut into small pieces

For the crust:

• 1 package of refrigerated pie dough (or homemade if you prefer)
• 1 egg (for egg wash)
• 1 tbsp milk (for egg wash)
• Sugar for dusting (optional)

For serving:

• Vanilla ice cream
• Caramel sauce (optional)

Wood-Fired Oven Prep

1. Heat your oven to around 400°F (204°C). This is a moderate baking temperature for pies—once your wood-fired oven cools slightly after your main dish, it’s a perfect time to bake dessert.
2. Use an oven-safe skillet (cast iron is ideal) or a traditional pie dish that can handle high heat.
3. Have a pair of long-handled oven gloves and a peel or baking tool for rotating the pie safely.

Instructions

1. Mix the filling: In a large bowl, combine apples, sugars, cinnamon, nutmeg, flour, lemon juice, and salt. Toss until apples are coated. Let sit while you prepare the crust.
2. Assemble the pie:
3. Brush with egg wash: Beat the egg with milk and brush it over the crust. Sprinkle sugar on top for extra crunch.
4. Bake in the oven:
5. Cool slightly: Let the pie sit for about 10 minutes before serving.

Serve It Up

Slice and serve warm with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream. For an extra indulgent touch, drizzle with warm caramel sauce.

Tip from the Fire:

Wood-fired ovens add a subtle smokiness that elevates the pie’s flavor—especially the caramelized sugars on the crust and the warm cinnamon-spiced apples.

Related: Wood-Fired Pizza and Roasted Veggies in Your Authentic Pizza Oven