Rao’s doesn’t deliver to Club Fed….yet!  So, you ask, how does one satisfy  a “fix” for their favorite Italian sauce (or gravy to the tried and true Italians)???

Luckily, there must be a Mario Batali consigliere on the Fed Mart selection committee as there are a plethora of options for purchase to make one’s preferred dish.   Looking to make some pizza deliziosa?  Try combining some hot water with tortilla shells to form a nice crust then coat it with olive oil, Italian seasoning and garlic powder before popping it into the microwave for about 3 minutes to get it nice and crunchy.

Next come the toppings…..

For a classic margherita style simply coat the top of the crust with some sauce that you prepared (while the crust was cooking) by mixing red sauce with garlic powder, Italian seasoning, Adobo and parmesan then smother it with shredded mozzarella cheese so that the entire surface is covered.  Finally, place the completed pizza back in the microwave and cook for another 2 minutes*.

For those that favor a more arrabbiata style, cover the top with parmesan, mozzarella, spicy pepperoni and crunchy bacon bits (yep, all available in the on-site Commissary).

More of a Wolfgang Puck fan?  Try a chicken ranch style.  Use one pack of cooked chicken pieces and add honey to taste.  Combine this with a sauce made up (separately) of ranch dressing, cream cheese, garlic powder, minced onion, Italian seasoning, a touch of Adobo and parmesan cheese.  Once you combine the honeyed chicken and ranch sauce spread it over the top of your crust and sprinkle with more cheese and bacon bits.  Place in the microwave for another 2 minutes*.

Three options to satisfy any cravings….no, it will never compare to Nonna’s cooking nor will you ever see it on the menu of Babbo or Acquerello but it will do the trick for a picnic, birthday or going away party at Club Fed.

*Please note cooking times can vary depending upon your preferred taste.  Microwave longer for a crispier crust.  Also, depending upon the age and strength of your microwave you may need to adjust the cooking time.  You don’t want to venture too far afield from your cooking as you will want to watch your pizza form and the smell might lure other staycationers who may want to sample your cucinando!