Aldo’s

"Aldo's: Where Every Slice Tells a Story"

Let me paint you a picture of a place where every bite is a brushstroke on the canvas of culinary heritage. Aldo’s, a beacon of New York-style pizzeria prowess in Rio Rancho, isn't just another spot to grab a slice; it's a living gallery curated by Renato and Aldo Venturino, where every pizza is a masterpiece of tradition and innovation.

Since its inception in 2013, Aldo’s has been more than a mere eatery; it's the crossroads of cultures—where the gusto of New York, the heart of Italy, and the spirit of New Mexico converge. Here, the Venturino nephews blend the legacy of Venezia’s with their own artistic touch to craft pies that are as inventive as they are rooted in authenticity.

Imagine sinking your teeth into the hearty indulgence of a hot pastrami with provolone hero, or the creative twist of a Philly Cheese Steak Calzone. The crusts at Aldo’s—be it regular or wafer-thin—are not just the foundation of a pizza; they're the bedrock of variety, ensuring every palate finds its counterpart.

Aldo's has garnered accolades from both the homesick New Yorkers craving a slice of their old city and the locals who've come to appreciate the symphony of flavors on offer. Each pizza that makes its way to your table is a chronicle of dedication, a story baked to golden perfection, and an ode to the rich tapestry of its origins.

Now, it's your turn to take a seat at Aldo's and savor the narrative that each slice carries. Come for the acclaimed New York-style pizza, but stay for the journey that each ingredient promises. Whether you're yearning for the comfort of the familiar or the thrill of a new taste adventure, Aldo’s offers you a slice of their storied world. So step into Aldo's—the pizzeria where every meal is not just crafted, but lovingly narrated, with the passion of the past and a zest for the future. Here, every slice is not just food; it’s a piece of heritage served with a side of innovation.

DIY Food Dehydrator: The Pizza Box Edition

Transform an ordinary pizza box into a functional food dehydrator with this simple, fun project! Perfect for drying fruits, herbs, or even making your own jerky.

Materials:

- 1 large pizza box (clean, without grease)

- Aluminum foil

- Plastic wrap

- Black construction paper

- A utility knife or scissors

- Tape

- A small fan (optional)

- Wooden dowels or skewers (optional)

- Mesh or cheesecloth

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Pizza Box:

- Open the pizza box and line the inside with aluminum foil, shiny side up. This will reflect heat.

- Cover the bottom of the box with black construction paper. This will absorb heat.

2. Create a Window:

- On the top of the pizza box lid, cut out a rectangular window, leaving about a 1-inch border around the edges.

- Cover the window with plastic wrap and secure it with tape. This will allow sunlight in and create a greenhouse effect.

3. Create Air Vents:

- Cut small air vents on the sides of the pizza box to allow for airflow. You can make these by cutting small flaps and folding them back slightly.

4. Optional: Add a Fan:

- If you have a small fan, you can place it near the air vents to enhance airflow. This will help to speed up the drying process.

5. Create Racks:

- If you have wooden dowels or skewers, you can create racks to hold your food. Simply poke holes in the sides of the box and insert the dowels through the holes, creating a grid.

- Alternatively, you can use a piece of mesh or cheesecloth to lay your food on inside the box.

6. Place Your Food:

- Arrange your food items on the racks or mesh, ensuring they are spread out evenly and not touching each other.

7. Position Your Dehydrator:

- Place the pizza box dehydrator in a sunny spot outside. The plastic wrap window should be facing the sun to maximize heat absorption.

8. Monitor and Rotate:

- Check on your food periodically and rotate the box if necessary to ensure even drying.

- Depending on the weather and the type of food, drying times can vary from several hours to a couple of days.

Dehydrating Specific Foods:

Red and Green Chiles:

- Preparation: Wash and dry the chiles. Slice them into rings or halves, removing seeds if desired.

- Drying Time: Chiles typically take 1-2 days to dry completely. They should be brittle and break easily when fully dehydrated.

Tomatoes:

- Preparation: Wash and dry the tomatoes. Slice them into ¼ inch thick slices or cut cherry tomatoes in half.

- Drying Time: Tomatoes can take 1-3 days to dry. They should be leathery and pliable when done.

Popular Herbs (e.g., Basil, Oregano, Thyme):

- Preparation: Rinse herbs and pat dry. Remove leaves from stems if they are large.

- Drying Time: Herbs generally dry within 1 day. They should crumble easily when touched.

9. Enjoy Your Dehydrated Food:

- Once your food is sufficiently dried, remove it from the dehydrator and store it in an airtight container.

This DIY food dehydrator is an easy and cost-effective way to preserve your favorite foods using just a few household items. Happy drying!