Laura Vitale shares a secret to simple entertaining, Dr. Oetker Virtuoso Pizza

Laura Vitale, of Laura in the Kitchen, shared some simple entertaining ideas with FoodSided. With Dr. Oetker Virtuoso Pizza in the freezer, dinners are simplified.

Many home cooks turn to Laura Vitale of Laura in the Kitchen for ingenious entertaining and cooking tips. This self-taught chef channels aromas and flavors from her Italian grandmother’s kitchen. Instead of complicated recipes and overly ambitious extravaganzas, her meals focus on the enjoyment food and the company around the table.

Recently, Laura partnered with Dr. Oetker Virtuoso Pizza. Virtuoso Pizza blends authentic, fresh ingredients into a frozen pizza that brings people together around the table. These pizzas aren’t your typical at-home, frozen pizzas. From the tasty sauce to the refined crust, the flavors on each pizza shine. Virtuoso Pizza does all the work so that everyone can focus on the conversation and good times around the table.

Through this partnership, Laura sat down with me to chat about easy entertaining ideas, her love of cooking and simple tips that any home cook can master. Below are some of my impressions from our phone conversation.

Virtuoso Pizza, photo provided by Virtuoso Piza

One of Laura Vitale’s genius approaches to entertaining is the make two, buy two approach. Simply stated, the idea is to use two store bought products with two homemade items. This approach allows the home cook to focus on her friends, not spend the evening camped out in the kitchen cooking.

While a simple idea, some home cooks feel pressure to make everything from scratch. By taking the pressure off, people can focus on the real reason behind a gathering, enjoying each other’s company. Although everyone loves good food, people will remember the good conversation and time spent together even more.

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Even the most ardent foodie can take help from the store. For example, Laura buys cheeses and cured meats from the local store. A simple charcuterie board can be the perfect appetizer for a gathering. Also, melon or fruit wrapped in prosciutto makes for a delicious choice. It happens to be one of Laura’s favorites.

For many families, entertaining isn’t the only place where they feel pressure. The focus to provide, fresh home cook meals at every dinner can be overwhelming. Even for people, like Laura, who enjoy cooking, having help in the kitchen is essential.

Laura said that she always has a Virtuoso Pizza in her freezer. There are nights where a full, elaborate home cooked meal just isn’t feasible. With a pizza in the oven, she can round out the meal with a fresh salad or a quick, easy side. The pizza takes the pressure off and puts the focus on what matters, gathering the family together for dinner.

Like many other parents, I have struggled with both the guilt and difficulty of putting a complete dinner on the table. While I don’t want to hit the drive-thru, a better alternative needs to be available. After chatting with Laura, I understand that balance is key. Serving a delicious, well-made frozen pizza doesn’t need to come with a side of guilt.

With the many flavors of Virtuoso Pizza, a delicious, complete meal is relatively easy. Pair any of the pizzas with a side salad for a simple, complete meal. Everyone has salad in the house. Simply, toss greens with a flavorful vinaigrette and even a little freshly grated parmesan.

Also, a side salad is a great way to incorporate seasonal flavors. From fall apples direct from the orchard to vine ripened tomatoes, the salad can adapt to the freshest ingredients. Plus, those flavors can easily balance the flavors in the pizza.

Looking at the various Virtuoso Pizza flavors, these pizzas can appease anyone’s palate. From classic margarita to more modern kale, bacon and ricotta, there is a flavor for everyone. Laura enjoys the classic pepperoni. Personally, I am drawn to the vegetable medley. More importantly, the variety allows the home cook options for creative side dishes to complete the meal.

Virtuoso Pizza, Pepperoni, photo provided by Virtuoso Pizza

While I don’t normally think about side dishes with pizza, Laura suggests that many side dishes work well with Virtuoso Pizza. For example, a simple couscous would be delicious. The idea is to play off the pizza’s flavors, yet not become too complicated. Again, it goes back to the idea that the focus should be on the people around the table, not an overly complicated dish.

One of the best tips that Laura Vitale gave regarding the Virtuoso Pizza is to try the pizza grilled. Putting a pizza on a grill adds a whole different layer of flavor. The char on the crust makes for a totally different pizza experience.

I asked Laura for a few tips on trying this method of cooking. She recommended having the frozen pizza sit out for 10-15 minutes prior to placing it on the grill. The slightly defrosted pizza works better on the hot grill grates.

Also, Laura said to put the pizza directly on the grill grates. No pizza stone or other pan needed. The key is the slightly defrosted pizza. It doesn’t stick to the grill grates.

Thinking about the grill pizza, this idea could make for a fun gathering. With a simple charcuterie board, side salad and a few desserts, it is a delightful meal. Add a few bottles of wine and the conversation will start flowing.

Virtuoso Pepperoni Pizza, photo provided by Virtuoso Pizza

Again, these ideas aren’t toocomplicated. Laura shared a story about her friend who tried to cook an overly ambitious meal for her husband. The meal of orange glazed lamb chops weren’t a huge hit with her husband. After talking to her friend, this meal was something that neither she or her husband had ever had. Why would this meal be a wonderful memory, if it wasn’t familiar or comforting?

Laura told her friend to cook a big bowl of minestrone soup. The flavors are classic, comforting and reminiscent of her family. A special meal doesn’t have to be like a professional chef’s creation. The key is for the meal to taste good and to be the vehicle to a great conversation around the table.

One of the reasons that Laura began cooking was because she wanted to bring those aromas of her grandmother’s cooking into her own kitchen. For her, those smells bring back all the special moments with family. Whether her dishes today are the same or slightly modified, the memories are always present.

Personally, I agree with Laura’s thoughts on aromas creating memories. A small whiff of certain dishes instantly transport me back to the kitchen with my mom and grandmother. Whether it is weeknight roasted chicken or a particular seasoning, those aromas make me smile.

Today, I hope to make those memories with my children. It could be our special smoked brisket or the kids’ favorite Sunday pancakes. We might not remember every moment, but those aromas will hopefully bring a smile every time, and hopefully memories for years to come.

Thank you to Laura Vitale for chatting with me and thank you for Virtuoso Pizza for facilitating this interview.

Dr. Oetker Virtuoso Pizza is available at various retailers. The company’s website provides a location finder.

Laura Vitale has her own YouTube channel, Laura in the Kitchen. She is also a cookbook author.