Unlimited Toppings On My Ultimate Pizza

Suppose you could make your own pizza with unlimited free toppings. What would you pick to maximize the value, while not compromising on taste and integrity of the pizza?

Pizza is my favourite food. Nothing else compares. Although I have ha pizza before the age of 14 (just a few times and it was usually from Pizza Hut), it was the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles movie that I watched at the age of 14 that made me a pizza lover. I started looking for pizza in various places in the city but it was slim pickings until I turned 21.

By then a few places in town had what they would call a pizza, however it was a pale imitation of what the glory of pizza actually is. No proper oven, forget about wood burning or brick ovens. In my 20s I do remember a couple of good places that we could pizza from and also around that time when I was 21 or 22, Domino’s opened up in the city. Also there were a couple of cafes that made decent pizzas, thought it still isn’t as great as what we get now, they also had really good coffee. For a while I would go there for lunch once in a while and more regularly when I worked in Ravipuram for Idea, during the years 2004-2006.

Since then we have come a long way. From Pizza Hut & Dominos to Indian chain La Pino’z, to multiple cafes that serve way better pizzas than the aforementioned big guns. My pizza would have toppings like tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese, bacon, pepperoni, Italian sausage, olives and mushrooms. Yummy! And I would love to have a cold beer to pair with it.

Some Delicious Facts About Dunkin Donuts

In its original iteration, Dunkin’ was called Open Kettle. Caterer William Rosenberg founded the business in Quincy, Massachusetts, in 1948, serving coffee and donuts to locals. In 1950, the business was renamed Dunkin’ Donuts. And today, it’s just Dunkin’. Feeling nostalgic? The original Dunkin’ is still standing in Quincy and has been restored to its ’50s glory.

According to Dunkin’ itself, an executive architect is rumored to be responsible for the name change from Open Kettle to Dunkin’ Donuts. Not many people dip their donuts into coffee these days, but it sounds like it was a popular thing to do at the time.

America runs on Dunkin’ now, but at one point, those Americans were getting their coffee and tea from across the pond. In 1989, Allied-Lyons, a British food and spirits conglomerate, bought Dunkin’ Donuts for $325 million. After French-based beverage company Pernod Ricard took over Allied Domecq in 2005, it sold Dunkin’ Brands to a consortium of three U.S. private equity firms.

Back in the day, doughnuts were cut by hand, which resulted in plenty of holes. (Now, modern machinery dispenses just the rings of dough and the holes are made separately.) When Dunkin’ started selling donut holes in 1972, the company named them “Munchkins” after the Wizard of Oz characters. The company  marketed the holes to kids while the grownups went for the whole donuts. Those mini donut balls arrived on DD menus in 1972, but no, you can’t buy just one. While the minimum varies from store to store, it’s been reported that four munchkins are the least you can walk out of the shop with.

Every year, Dunkin’ sells about 2 billion cups of hot and iced coffee globally, and there are more than 15,000 different ways to order your coffee. Yes, 15,000! That’s thanks to the chain’s wide variety of syrups, shots, and sweeteners. Hate the taste of burnt coffee? So does Dunkin’. According to DD, the chain’s coffee is freshly ground, freshly brewed, and most importantly, freshly served. The company’s website states that the chain brews a fresh pot of coffee every 18 minutes, if not sooner. So you’ll never get a stale cup.

In response to the popularity (and elusiveness) of the quick-to-sell-out Cronut at Dominique Ansel Bakery in NYC, Dunkin’ launched its own croissant-donut crossover pastry in late 2014. It was initially meant to be a temporary item, but because of its insane popularity—8.5 million were sold in the pastry’s first three months—it became a permanent menu item in the United States for a while. The product initially debuted in South Korea under the name “New York Pie Donuts” (pictured).

Dunkin’ is considered a hot spot in South Korea. There are hundreds of stores, and the experience is a lot different from the American one. Patrons are allowed to pick donuts off the shelves themselves, cups are paper, and the most popular drink is an Americano, which features hot water and a shot of espresso. Along with traditional donuts like glazed, there are black rice doughnuts, jalapeño sausage pie doughnuts, and bubble tea lattes.

Cup, Cone Or Popsicle

What is the best vehicle for ice cream: cone, cup, or popsicle? The other two will no longer be offered in this world.

Hmm that is a tricky one. I love ice cream and any chance to get it in any of these forms is a happy day for me. I think cones are an awesome way to eat ice cream as you can eat the delicious (in a lot of cases as I have had some cardboard tasting cones as well) cone after you have had the ice cream. The cone with some melted ice cream on it is so satisfying at the end.

I am not big on popsicles – unless you mean ice cream on a stick. That’s what we call them. I used to like them a lot especially Magnums but also other brands. However most of them in India melt off quickly and you tend to drop some of it down or have to be really quick like Jackie Chan and catch it before it drops on your shirt.

And finally we have my preferred method which is in a cup. Paper or glass I don’t mind. It’s less messier and let’s face it, you usually get more. You have a tub in your freezer – just get a big bowl and a spoon and you are as happy as you can be. Get one while you watch a good movie or tv show.

Prompt from Journaling Prompts from The Coffee Monterz Co . Com

The 5 Largest Pizza Chains In India

India’s pizza market is dominated by several major chains, each with a significant presence across the country:

  1. Domino’s Pizza: The largest pizza chain in India, with over 1,900 stores in 2023. Domino’s was the first American pizza brand to open in India in 1996. It has about 55% of the organized pizza market share and 70% of the home delivery market share.
  2. Pizza Hut: The second largest pizza chain in India, with 922 stores. ntering the Indian market in 1996, it offers a diverse menu that blends international and Indian flavors, appealing to a broad customer base.
  3. La Pinoz Pizza: The biggest Indian pizza company, with 700 stores. La Pinoz is growing quickly.
  4. U.S. Pizza: Positioning itself as the third-largest pizza chain in India for a while, until La Pinoz grew, U.S. Pizza focuses on delivering fresh and cheesy pizzas. Their menu includes classic pan pizzas and authentic Italian crust options.
  5. Chicago Pizza: Specializing in takeaway services, Chicago Pizza boasts over 100 outlets across India. The brand emphasizes customizable pizzas made with fresh ingredients.

These chains have successfully adapted to Indian consumers by incorporating local flavors and preferences into their menus, contributing to their widespread popularity.

5 Secrets As Told By An Ex-McDonald’s Employee

As seen on Threads – a former McDonald’s employee who says she got fired for taking time off to take her sick boyfriend to the hospital dishes out on some secrets :

1. The McDonald’s ice cream machine is never broken and is always fixed every morning If an employee says it is broken it probably isn’t and they are mostly lying to not make it.

2. We can still hear you after you’ve ordered..the amount of guys l’ve heard talk about cheating is wild.. You know who you are

3. You can get Big Mac & Fries for under $3. All you have to do is Find the code on your McDonald’s receipt and Put it on the mcfoodforthoughts site

4. You can get McDonalds whenever!!If you sign up at ?Mcddeal .com ? You can get a $100 gift card which you can use to buy anything at McDonalds My best friends used to do this to get maccies everyday

5. Not a lot of people know this, but if you ask for more chocolate on your McFlurry we will probably do it

The Most Popular Pizza Toppings

The most popular pizza toppings vary depending on personal preferences and regional tastes, but here’s a list of universally loved toppings:

Classic Favorites:

  1. Pepperoni – A timeless favorite for its savory and slightly spicy kick.
  2. Cheese – Mozzarella is the go-to, often paired with other cheeses like parmesan or cheddar.
  3. Mushrooms – Adds an earthy flavor and pairs well with many other toppings.
  4. Sausage – Italian sausage, either sweet or spicy, is a common choice.
  5. Onions – Provides a mild sweetness and crunch.
  6. Bell Peppers – Adds a fresh, sweet, and crunchy element.
  7. Olives – Black or green olives for a salty and briny flavor.
  8. Bacon – Crispy or Canadian bacon for an indulgent touch.
  9. Ham – Often combined with pineapple for the controversial “Hawaiian” pizza.

Vegetarian Favorites:

  1. Tomatoes – Fresh or sun-dried, for added juiciness or sweetness.
  2. Spinach – A healthy topping that works well with ricotta or garlic.
  3. Artichoke Hearts – Adds a tangy and slightly nutty flavor.

Controversial or Unique Toppings:

  1. Pineapple – Beloved by some for its sweet contrast, despised by others.
  2. Anchovies – For a salty, fishy flavor that’s either adored or avoided.
  3. Jalapeños – A spicy kick for heat lovers.
  4. Barbecue Chicken – A smoky, sweet topping often paired with barbecue sauce.
  5. Eggplant or Zucchini – Uncommon but loved by those seeking variety.

Trendy Additions:

  1. Truffle Oil – Drizzled for an upscale touch.
  2. Prosciutto – Thinly sliced cured ham for a gourmet feel.
  3. Goat Cheese – Tangy and creamy, often paired with arugula or honey.

What’s your go-to topping?

Some Facts About The Aero Chocolate Bar

The Aero chocolate bar, renowned for its unique bubbly texture, has a rich history and diverse range of flavors. Here are some key facts about this beloved confection:

  • Introduction: Aero was first launched in 1935 by Rowntree’s in the North of England as the “new chocolate.”
  • Expansion: Due to its popularity, Aero was introduced throughout the United Kingdom by the end of 1935 and reached the United States by 1936.
  • Ownership: Nestlé acquired Rowntree’s in 1988 and has been manufacturing Aero since then.
  • Aeration Process: Aero is distinguished by its aerated chocolate, creating a bubbly texture that melts smoothly in the mouth.
  • Classic Flavors: The original Aero was peppermint-flavored, followed by the milk chocolate variant introduced in the 1970s.
  • Limited Editions: Over the years, Aero has experimented with various flavors, including lime, orange, and strawberry. Notably, the strawberry-flavored Aero was reintroduced in 2024 after being absent since the 1970s.
  • International Markets: Aero is available in countries such as the UK, Ireland, Canada, Australia, Germany, South Africa, and Japan.
  • Regional Variations: The recipe and flavor offerings can vary by country, catering to local tastes.
  • Aero Bubbles: Introduced in 2005, these bite-sized pieces offer the same bubbly texture in a different format.
  • Aero Mousse: Launched in 2015, this variant features a mousse-like filling, providing a different texture experience.
  • Caloric Content: A standard Aero Milk Chocolate Bar (42g) contains approximately 220 calories, with 12g of fat, 26g of carbohydrates, and 3g of protein.
  • Aero continues to delight chocolate enthusiasts worldwide with its innovative textures and flavors, maintaining its status as a cherished confectionery brand.

Fun Facts About Tim Hortons

Tim Hortons is a renowned Canadian coffeehouse and restaurant chain with a rich history and significant cultural impact. Here are some key facts about the brand:

Founding and Establishment: Founded in 1964 by National Hockey League legend Tim Horton, the first store opened in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. In 1964, a cup of coffee and a donut cost only 10 cents each. As of September 2023, Tim Hortons operates 5,701 restaurants across 13 countries, making it Canada’s largest quick-service restaurant chain. In Canada, you can buy a Double Double as far north as Iqaluit, NU, as far south as Kingsville, ON, as far west as Campbell River, BC and as far east as St. John’s, NF. Not bad, eh!

Signature Items: Known for its coffee and donuts, Tim Hortons introduced the “Timbit” (bite-sized donut holes) in 1976, which have become a Canadian icon. Over the years, the menu has expanded to include sandwiches, soups, and breakfast items, catering to a wide range of tastes.

Canadian Identity: Tim Hortons holds a special place in Canadian culture, often associated with national identity and community gatherings. While deeply rooted in Canada, the brand has expanded internationally, with a notable presence in the United States and other countries including India. In 2023, Tim Hortons has signed master franchise agreements in South Korea, Singapore and Malaysia. They have also signed a development agreement in Panama and are considering an expansion to Indonesia as well.

Collaborations: In 2024, Tim Hortons introduced “Dream Cookies” in collaboration with popular candy brands Reese’s and M&M’s, offering an elevated cookie experience. Despite economic challenges, Tim Hortons reported a 4.6% rise in same-store sales in the second quarter of 2024, contributing significantly to its parent company Restaurant Brands International’s revenue.

The Tim Horton’s app is Canada’s most widely used food & beverage app. Over 4.3 million Canadians use Tim Horton’s app. In Comparison, Uber Eats has 3.9 million active users, and Starbucks has 2.4 million. Only the online retail giant Amazon boasts higher usage than Tim Hortons in Canada, which is quite impressive.

Every day, approximately 15% of all Canadians visit Tim Hortons – that’s 5.3 million happy customers daily! They serve more than 2 billion cups of coffee with almost 8 of every 10 cups of coffee sold in Canada.

Kochi & Kerala’s Love For Fried Chicken

Fried chicken is one of the most popular food in the world and Kochi is no exception. From the early 2010s I noticed that we keep getting more and more new restaurants in the city and they try to make them franchises as well by opening up new ones in hopes of making theirs a chain. he name of the game is ‘southern fried chicken’ and we Malayalees / Keralites absolutely love them!However since the first time I posted about the number of outlets have closed. MarryBrowns and SFC Plus in particular are the ones that I miss.

All this is due to the large population of expats (loving called Non-resident Indians or NRIs), including my family, in the Arabian gulf. Most of these countries where Malayalees flock to for jobs, along with their families, had already had plenty of KFC outlets. After KFC took the Gulf region by storm decades ago, many locally owned franchises have tried to replicate that success and tweak the recipe and make some changes. Chicking is one such as was SFC Plus (the latter is still running in the Gulf though they have closed don their 3 centers here.

So when I take a look back so many of them closed down. Chikos was another one that had about 2 to 3 outlets in Kochi alone and although they close down, they thrive in a few other cities in the state. Krispy Chicken, which I never got to try, also closed down their outlets in Kochi. So what survives? Well Chicking who were the OG place in Kochi and Kerala in general still rules supreme. They are known to be that family places choice. They are followed closely by KFC who have opened more outlets in the state and in Kochi. Doing amazingly well.

The only other international one we have is Popeyes which is the newest entrant. They only have 1 outlet in Kochi and they do have stalls in a couple of other cities in the state. I eagerly await for them to expand more. AFC & AJWA opened up in the last few years and they are doing decent business. Kochi.in opened very near me and I think that is their only outlet but it’s in a prime location so they should do well. Fried King is ok, nothing special, and not pictured is King’s Crust who have recently expanded and their Korean fried chicken option is amazing. Also not pictured is the famous AlBaik from Saudi but I haven’t tried them yet and finally Maheens Broasted Chicken, which I am yet to try.

Choosing The 10 From The 22 Kerala Dishes

I just saw the list of 22 dishes from Kerala Cuisine that you must try. Having gone through that I feel that I can throw some of them out as “must try” and only include these 10 from the list :

  • Puttu and Kadala Curry
  • Appam with Stew – One of The Most Popular Kerala Food Items
  • Kerala Prawn Curry
  • Naadan Beef Fry or Kerala Style Beef Fry
  • Malabar Parota
  • Kerala Style Fish Molee
  • Banana Fritters
  • Palada Payasam
  • Thalassery Biryani
  • Chatti Pathiri

Does Mexican Coca-Cola Taste Better Than The American One?

I have heard a lot of people vehemently insist that Mexican Coke is far superior to American Coke, you might have wondered: What’s the big deal? Both kinds of Coca-Cola are refreshing treats on a hot day and provide an energy boost, thanks to their caffeine content.

Mexican Coke and American Coke differ primarily in two areas: sweetener and packaging.

1. Sweetener:

  • Mexican Coke: Traditionally, Mexican Coke is sweetened with cane sugar. Many people say it gives the drink a slightly different taste, often described as cleaner or smoother.
  • American Coke: In the U.S., Coke is typically sweetened with high-fructose corn syrup (HFCS). This became more common in the 1980s, partly due to the lower cost of corn syrup over cane sugar.

2. Packaging:

  • Mexican Coke: Often comes in glass bottles, which some say enhances the flavor by not imparting any metallic or plastic taste. It also adds a nostalgic, authentic touch for fans of the classic Coke experience.
  • American Coke: Is available in cans, plastic bottles, and sometimes glass bottles. However, plastic and cans are far more common.

Taste Differences:

Many people swear there is a distinct taste difference between the two due to the different sweeteners and the bottle type. While both HFCS and cane sugar have a similar sweetness profile, some people find cane sugar to taste less syrupy and prefer it for a “cleaner” finish. However, blind taste tests often reveal that not everyone can detect a noticeable difference.

Cultural Significance:

Mexican Coke has developed a following, especially in the U.S., among people looking for a nostalgic or “authentic” Coca-Cola experience. It’s also popular with those who prefer cane sugar over HFCS for health or taste reasons. Both versions are technically the same in terms of Coca-Cola’s recipe beyond the sweetener, so if there is a difference in taste, it mostly comes down to those two factors.

My Favourite Choice For Ice Cream, Pizza, Donuts & Burgers

Write about your favourite place to eat: ice cream, poutine, pie, burgers (pick your poison)

Well since we don’t get poutine I will substitute it with pizza and since we got really go for pie, I am going to go for donuts.

Ice cream : Hands down the best/favourite is Caravan ice cream parlour which is a childhood favourite. It’s located in Marine Drive right next to Broadway. Or atleast the OG place is. They have a couple of other outlets but this one is the one to go to. Or order in.

Pizza : Here I will go with P60 formerly known as 360 Degree, which is the best place for thinner crusts, real pork sausage/bacon/pepperoni an excellent cheeses. Most of their pizzas will satisfy you so much, even if they have now increase their prices.

Donuts : I am not a big donut person, in that I rarely do ever get one. But if were to get some Donut Factory would the best choice. Not only do they have a varied selection, their donuts are delicious. Nothing to battle franchises like Dunkin Donuts or Krispy Creme or Tim Hortons but then we don’t have any of them here yet.

Burgers :  Hands down the best place for burgers is The Burger Junction, which also has a couple of outlets because the demand is so high. Their beef and chicken burgers are the best in India and they also have pork products. Hmmm now I am craving one so bad.

Prompt from 70 Travel Prompts or Topics for Your Blog for the Month of November at DownshiftingPro

November 6TH Is National Nachos Day In The US

On November 6th in the US, National Nachos Day recognizes the snack favored at sporting events across the country. In their purest form, nachos are tortilla chips covered in nacho cheese, queso or other melted cheese and served with salsa. About the popular and loved nachos, which are of Mexican origin, history tells us that Ignacio “Nacho” Anaya created the original nachos in 1943. According to his son, Nacho was the maître d’ at the El Moderno Restaurant in Piedras Negras. One evening after the kitchen staff had left, a group of U.S. Army wives stationed at Fort Duncan in Eagle Pass came into the restaurant. After a long day of shopping, they were hungry and asked for a snack.

Anaya prepared some tostadas cut into triangles. After topping them with shredded cheese and sliced jalapenos, he heated the dish in the oven. They were such a hit with the Army wives that they named the snack “Nacho’s Special” before he could make another batch. Word of the new creation quickly traveled. People from all over tried them, loved them, and over time, the name changed. Eventually, Nacho’s special became special nachos. The popularity of the new dish spread swiftly throughout Texas and the Southwest. And since then, it has gained millions of fans across America. And later the rest of the world.

Since the time of the original nachos, the toppings have expanded. Today we add beef, chicken, and seafood along with a variety of seasonings. This snack even satisfies the pickiest eater. Whether you’re a vegan, full-on carnivore or somewhere between, there’s a nachos recipe for you.  to make Italian nachos top the chips with mozzarella cheese and Alfredo sauce. Asian nachos may include wasabi or curry. Each version of nachos brings its own unique flavor to the table. No matter what the topping, the dish is always delicious.