I started making bread in January because of something my brother-in-law asked for. By the time Lent came around, I decided that during Lent I would only eat bread that I made myself. Lent is long over, and I have still not purchased bread. I think I'm actually in a "depth year" without planning or realizing it. As I continue to make bread each week, I can see that I am definitely getting better at it. My favorites are Ciabatta, and your "Peasant Bread", My first attempt at Pizza dough was an epic fail, but I will try again. I'll see how long I can keep it up!
It's funny, because after I wrote in the post that I know a depth year isn't for me at the moment, I think it's because I, too, am actually still in my pizza depth year. I'm constantly buying new flours, tweaking my recipes and methods, researching online and in my books... it may never end!
This pizza resource roundup is wildly helpful—and Ali, I'm totally blown away that you mentioned my Depth Year project (and Erin's fabulous Quaintrelle!) in your newsletter. I'm very touched to learn that it made an impression!
Most importantly, I loved that you highlighted *both* the joys and challenges of depth. If I'd tried to tackle a Depth Year challenge (pizza-themed or otherwise) a year ago, it would've failed spectacularly...and would've made me feel bad about myself. 😅 There's a season for everything—and depth can be sampled in smaller ways and time frames, too. I loved hearing about your ukulele lessons!
I feel I've had a "deep-ish" year of pizza (almost) every Friday. Every year my kiddo has been in school we've started September with Friday night pizza, but it usually fizzled out by the holidays. It's now been about a year of consistent pizza Fridays - most of the time home made, sometimes from a new school pizzarianin the neighbourhood, sometimes Domino's. Sometimes it's pizza Saturday or pizza Thursday. I have come to adore the rhythm and ritual - my small family coming together to just be together and eat pizza after a long weekend. And now I'm so happy to have the wonderful Pizza Night for inspiration!
Love the idea of a depth year. Yet, I’ve declared this year my year of trying new things. New crafts mostly. Just to mix things up and stretch a bit. Maybe I’ll find something new that will become a depth year endeavor next year.
I too started hobbies. Ukulele in 2018 but had to quit last year because of arthritis in my thumbs. Started finding the perfect ciabatta back in 2012. ( long before C-19) only because "I love bread". It started with Ciabatta and thought I had it until I discovered Alexandra. Now I think I have it. So it led from there to Pizza, and moved on to piano and still perfecting my pie ( pizza ) dough. BAKE-ON FRIENDS!
My dream depth year? Attending Penland School of Craft https://penland.org/. As that probably isn't in the works at this point, when I retire in 2.6 years, my depth year will be drawing drawing drawing painting painting painting cycling cycling cycling and swimming swimming swimming, all to make my drawing that much better. I love the "depth year" concept. P.S. Our favorite canned tomatoes for pizza sauce: Organic Muir Glen Fire Roasted Diced Tomatoes. Thanks for another great post. P.P.S. Thanks for the link to the pizza rocker, which I'm going to get my husband for Christmas. Love it!
Thank you for sharing the link to Penland — a printmaking and letterpress residency/workshop would be a dream! And I never thought about a "physical" depth year, but I'd love to use a year to commit to kiking the ADK 46 high peaks. A dream!
It seems to me that you already completed a depth year (plus) in research, making recipes, and writing Pizza Night! And we all benefited. :) Thank you for the wonderful pizza and salad recipes. I've tried several and my family is all thumbs up!
Just read your comment below and Yes, you are still gaining and sharing new, helpful pizza tips.
Thank you Sharon :) :) :) It's so nice to read all of this. I do think my pizza depth year is still in motion, and I'm not sad about it. Thank you for your kind words 💕💕💕
I started making bread in January because of something my brother-in-law asked for. By the time Lent came around, I decided that during Lent I would only eat bread that I made myself. Lent is long over, and I have still not purchased bread. I think I'm actually in a "depth year" without planning or realizing it. As I continue to make bread each week, I can see that I am definitely getting better at it. My favorites are Ciabatta, and your "Peasant Bread", My first attempt at Pizza dough was an epic fail, but I will try again. I'll see how long I can keep it up!
It's funny, because after I wrote in the post that I know a depth year isn't for me at the moment, I think it's because I, too, am actually still in my pizza depth year. I'm constantly buying new flours, tweaking my recipes and methods, researching online and in my books... it may never end!
This pizza resource roundup is wildly helpful—and Ali, I'm totally blown away that you mentioned my Depth Year project (and Erin's fabulous Quaintrelle!) in your newsletter. I'm very touched to learn that it made an impression!
Most importantly, I loved that you highlighted *both* the joys and challenges of depth. If I'd tried to tackle a Depth Year challenge (pizza-themed or otherwise) a year ago, it would've failed spectacularly...and would've made me feel bad about myself. 😅 There's a season for everything—and depth can be sampled in smaller ways and time frames, too. I loved hearing about your ukulele lessons!
Maddie, it's so much fun to follow along, and I love your writing and approach. Thank you for your honesty and thoughtfulness!
My copy of pizza night is finally on its way!! Can’t wait to get it -
Not sure I can commit to
Cooking every recipe 😊
Hooray!
I feel I've had a "deep-ish" year of pizza (almost) every Friday. Every year my kiddo has been in school we've started September with Friday night pizza, but it usually fizzled out by the holidays. It's now been about a year of consistent pizza Fridays - most of the time home made, sometimes from a new school pizzarianin the neighbourhood, sometimes Domino's. Sometimes it's pizza Saturday or pizza Thursday. I have come to adore the rhythm and ritual - my small family coming together to just be together and eat pizza after a long weekend. And now I'm so happy to have the wonderful Pizza Night for inspiration!
*long week
I'm so happy to read this :) I find our weekly pizza Fridays to be so grounding. So glad Pizza Night is providing some inspo!
Love the idea of a depth year. Yet, I’ve declared this year my year of trying new things. New crafts mostly. Just to mix things up and stretch a bit. Maybe I’ll find something new that will become a depth year endeavor next year.
I too started hobbies. Ukulele in 2018 but had to quit last year because of arthritis in my thumbs. Started finding the perfect ciabatta back in 2012. ( long before C-19) only because "I love bread". It started with Ciabatta and thought I had it until I discovered Alexandra. Now I think I have it. So it led from there to Pizza, and moved on to piano and still perfecting my pie ( pizza ) dough. BAKE-ON FRIENDS!
I'm so happy to read this! I'm still perfecting my pie, too... so excited about this new flour I've been using for Neapolitan pizza.
My dream depth year? Attending Penland School of Craft https://penland.org/. As that probably isn't in the works at this point, when I retire in 2.6 years, my depth year will be drawing drawing drawing painting painting painting cycling cycling cycling and swimming swimming swimming, all to make my drawing that much better. I love the "depth year" concept. P.S. Our favorite canned tomatoes for pizza sauce: Organic Muir Glen Fire Roasted Diced Tomatoes. Thanks for another great post. P.P.S. Thanks for the link to the pizza rocker, which I'm going to get my husband for Christmas. Love it!
Thank you for sharing the link to Penland — a printmaking and letterpress residency/workshop would be a dream! And I never thought about a "physical" depth year, but I'd love to use a year to commit to kiking the ADK 46 high peaks. A dream!
I'm going down an Internet rabbit hole looking at the Penland website! 🤩
It's my dream! Summer camp for adults with the best classes!!!
Swoon! 💕
Hi Ali,
It seems to me that you already completed a depth year (plus) in research, making recipes, and writing Pizza Night! And we all benefited. :) Thank you for the wonderful pizza and salad recipes. I've tried several and my family is all thumbs up!
Just read your comment below and Yes, you are still gaining and sharing new, helpful pizza tips.
Thank you Sharon :) :) :) It's so nice to read all of this. I do think my pizza depth year is still in motion, and I'm not sad about it. Thank you for your kind words 💕💕💕
This is a great guide, and I’m so happy to learn of your canned tomato recommendations. Thank you.