Chicago Pizza Kitchen

“Chicago Pizza Kitchen: Albuquerque’s Deep Dish Destination”

It’s said that you can’t take the Windy City out of a Chicagoan, and the same goes for its pizza. At Chicago Pizza Kitchen in Albuquerque, the owners have baked up a slice of home right in the heart of New Mexico. With a dedication that borders on reverence, they bring the hallowed deep-dish pizza—a style cherished by many yet rare in these parts—to life, complete with the iconic sauce-on-top innovation designed to protect the precious cheese from the oven’s ardor.

This isn’t just a pizzeria; it’s a cultural crossroads where the spirit of pizza Uno—the very first of its kind in Chicago—meets Albuquerque’s diverse tastes. The owners, enchanted by the original deep-dish haven in downtown Chicago, have channeled that inspiration into every pie served here. And while tradition is the cornerstone, their menu brims with creativity, promising new discoveries with each visit.

Step inside Chicago Pizza Kitchen and you’ll find yourself amid a whimsical array of renaissance flair and medieval armor, a setting that’s as bold and unique as the flavors on offer. The pizza crusts are a lexicon of Chicago’s best, from the authentic deep dish to a hearty pan style, and even a stuffed crust that’s a meal in itself.

But the heart of Chicago Pizza Kitchen lies in its roots—the owners, proud disabled U.S. Army veterans, who’ve not only crafted a tribute to pizza but also to those who have served. Their Table of Honor stands as a poignant reminder of their service and sacrifice.

And if pizza could ever have competition, it would be in the form of their other offerings—the zesty Giardiniera, succulent Italian beefs dripping with Au Jus, addictive garlic Parmesan fries, and sweet pizza-dough cinnamon bites that will have you plotting your next visit before you’ve even left.

So, if you’re yearning for a taste of Chicago’s storied pizza legacy or simply in search of a dining experience that’s as full of character as it is flavor, make your way to Chicago Pizza Kitchen. It’s more than a meal; it’s a journey to the heart of pizza passion.

Transform Your Pizza Box into a Food Dehydrator (AKA: Pizza Flakes Maker)

Stop throwing away produce!

Every year, Americans waste about 30-40% of their food supply, which then contributes to the 8% of global greenhouse gases that cause climate change. Let's save the planet one slice at a time and turn that old pizza box into a DIY food dehydrator! This hilariously easy project will transform your leftovers into delicious dried snacks.

Materials:

- 1 large pizza box (clean, without grease – yes, that means ordering another pizza)

- Aluminum foil (to make it shiny like your future)

- Plastic wrap (because who doesn't love plastic?)

- Black construction paper (very goth, very functional)

- A utility knife or scissors (sharp objects: handle with care!)

- Tape (the universal fixer of all things)

- A small fan (optional, if you want to go high-tech)

- Wooden dowels or skewers (also optional, but let’s get fancy)

- Mesh or cheesecloth (to keep it all in place)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Pizza Box:

Open that pizza box and line the inside with aluminum foil, shiny side up. This will reflect heat and make your box look like a science experiment. Cover the bottom of the box with black construction paper. This will absorb heat and add to the mystery.

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. Make it artsy. Cover the window with plastic wrap and secure it with tape. This will allow sunlight in and create a greenhouse effect. Now your pizza box is officially smarter than your last smartphone.

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. These vents are like your dehydrator’s nostrils.

4. Optional: Add a Fan:

If you have a small fan, place it near the air vents to enhance airflow. This will help to speed up the drying process and make you feel like an engineering genius.

5. Create Racks:

If you have wooden dowels or skewers, 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. Now it’s looking like a mini barbecue. Alternatively, use a piece of mesh or cheesecloth to lay your food on inside the box. It’s like a hammock for your snacks.

6. Place Your Food:

Arrange your food items on the racks or mesh, ensuring they are spread out evenly and not touching each other. Give them space to breathe – it’s yoga for your veggies.

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. Your neighbors will be jealous of your eco-friendly contraption.

8. Monitor and Rotate:

Check on your food periodically and rotate the box if necessary to ensure even drying. You’re basically a helicopter parent for dehydrated snacks. Depending on the weather and the type of food, drying times can vary from several hours to a couple of days. Patience, grasshopper.

Dehydrating Specific Foods:

Red and Green Chiles:

Preparation: Wash and dry the chiles. Slice them into rings or halves, removing seeds if desired. Fun fact: Spicy foods can increase your metabolism by up to 8%! 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. Did you know tomatoes are technically a fruit? Mind blown. 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. Herbs can improve memory by up to 75%. Okay, I made that up, but it sounds good! 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. Congrats! You’ve just saved the planet one dehydrated snack at a time.

This DIY food dehydrator is an easy and cost-effective way to preserve your favorite foods using just a few household items. Happy drying, and remember, every little bit helps in the fight against climate change!