Thicc Pizza Co.

Thicc Pizza Co. brings a slice of Detroit to Downtown Albuquerque with its fun, film-inspired pizza names, non-GMO ingredients, and signature Burnt Cheese crown that's as much a treat for the palate as it is for the soul.

THICC PIZZA CO.

Mark Stens Land

10/17/20224 min read

"Thicc Pizza Co.: Where Pop Culture and Detroit-Style Pizza Collide"

Nestled in the heart of Downtown's 505 Food Hall, there's a spot where pizza is not just food—it's a full-blown cultural experience. Welcome to Thicc Pizza Co., the sibling of Hawt Pizza, where the energy is as infectious as the names of the pizzas are playful. Co-owner Felicia Meyer has infused her love for film and pop culture into every pie, crafting a menu that's as much a conversation starter as it is delicious.

Here, the Detroit-style pizza is a canvas for creativity. Baked in hefty deep pans and sliced into generous squares, each piece is a cheesy nod to the Motor City's hearty appetite. Toppings like shaved Parmesan add a touch of finesse, and for those who like it hot, a drizzle of spicy red sauce is just a dollar away.

Thicc Pizza Co. is loud, lively, and unabashedly fun. It's a slice of the 505 Food Hall that buzzes with energy and the clink of glasses from the full bar. But what truly sets Thicc apart is the Burnt Cheese crown—a ring of crispy, caramelized cheese that hugs the crust with a chewy embrace. It's the kind of detail that pizza dreams are made of.

The menu reads like a who's who of pizza creativity, with options like the 8 Mile Pizza, Notorious P.I.G., and the endearingly named Yo Adrian! Pizza. And it's not just about the red sauce—white pizza aficionados have five different pies to choose from, each one a testament to Thicc's commitment to variety and quality.

So step into Thicc Pizza Co. and prepare for a feast that delights the eyes, tickles the taste buds, and stirs up the fun. Whether it's the allure of the Burnt Cheese crown, the tender bite of sliced Ribeye, or the sweet heat of Mike’s Hot Honey, this is your invitation to dive into a world where every slice is a conversation piece, and every visit is an episode worth remembering.

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!