PO-FOLK FOOD

Celeste Pizza for One

5 for $1.00 in New Jersey-$1.99 each in Manhattan

Ingredients

(The order in which they appear indicates primary and secondary ones)

Tomato puree, Water, Tomato paste, Salt, Sugar, Dehydrated garlic, Flavor blend (Maltodextrin, Dextrose, Natural spice oleo resins), Salt (again), Modified corn starch, soybean oil, Xanthan gum, Low moisture part skim Mozzarella cheese, Cheese cultures, Salt (again), Enzymes, Smoke flavoring, Cheese blend (Provolone, Romano), Part skim cows milk,  Garlic powder, Onion powder, Potassium sorbate, Wheat and  malted Barley flour, Palm oil, Cottonseed oil, Soy lecithin, Carotene color, High fructose corn syrup, Salt (again), Yeast, Fermented wheat flour, Cultured corn syrup solids, Dough conditioner ( L-Cysteine monohydrochloride).

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History

The product was named after Celeste (née Luise) Lizio (1908-December 16,1988) who carried the nickname "Mama Celeste".  She came to the United States from Italy with her husband, Anthony, in the 1920s.  They settled on Chicago's West Side where they opened their first restaurant in 1932.  In 1962, the Lizios closed the restaurant and began selling pizzas to other restaurants. The Quaker Oats Company acquired the product in 1969.  Celeste frozen pizza was one of the top selling brands in the 1970s but subsequently experienced declines.  The Celeste brand was later acquired by Aurora Foods, and then Pinnacle Foods.  As of 2012, Pinnacle Foods marketed only frozen, microwavable "Pizza For One" varieties of Celeste pizzas. Distribution is now restricted to more regional markets.
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 The Golden Girls

(Mama Celeste Story)

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Make Simple Pita Pizza

Pocket-less pitas, Organic olive oil, Fresh garlic, basil, thyme and tomatoes (or organic tomato sauce), Mozzarella and Parmesan cheese:  Brush Pitas with oil, Spread tomato sauce, diced garlic, spices and Mozzarella on top. Place on baking sheet in 400 degree preheated oven for 5-8 minutes.  Sprinkle with Parmesan and serve with a fresh salad or sauteed greens.