Bingo Pizza

Usually every Saturday night we treat ourselves to pizza. I, personally do not like going out to eat and the Mister usually orders by telephone and then goes to pick up or we stay home and I prepare it.

For several years past, I have used the frozen box-type and it was OK, but not great. 

Recently, oh say for about 4 years, our friends in SC have been supplying us with the bread and I create our own. The Saturday night pizza is now call “Bingo Pizza.” That is because the French loaves and/or Italian loaves are winnings from the regular bingo games held at the Myrtle Beach Air Force Base Recreation Center. Many friends go there on a regular basis every Wednesday and Friday from 10 a.m. to noon. There is no charge for bingo, but everyone brings a prize for the prize table. The local grocery stores also donate many good out-of-date items, such as donuts, vegetables, fruits, and breads. Since I don’t care for being in groups or crowds and don’t care for the bingo activity, I don’t participate.

But - I like the donations after friends return from the games. It seems that they win more than they can use, week after week, and I just freeze the excess bonanza.

Now, if I had the ambition, I might make my sauce, but I find the store sauce to be quite fine. I use high quality shredded mozzarella, and precooked sausage crumbles. That’s the way we like our pizza. Before baking I drizzle extra virgin olive oil  over each piece. It is then baked in a 400° over for about 20 minutes. 

Now I have to confess that I eat 1 1/2 slices and he devours the 2 1/2. There is none leftover and we are full! - until next week - of “Bingo Pizza.”

Before Baking

After Baking

Sauce (Iinternet Image)

Cheese (Internet Image)

Sausage Crumbles (Internet Image)

Olive Oil (Internet Image)

Buffet Experience

We sometimes go with a group of our beach friends to a pizza place called "CiCi's when we are in SC. I, personally, don't care for the pizza, even though there is a great variety of toppings available. It's a buffet and is usually very busy. It's fun to watch people pick and choose their favorites, but more interesting to me to just watch the people. I look at their shoes, their hairdos, their jewelry, and attire. Sometimes their eating habits leave a lot to be desired, and I notice there is a lot of waste.  I always choose the Italian salad because I can top it with my favorites and I enjoy the curly cavatappi noodles with Alfredo sauce and the chicken noodle soup, but best of all are the gooey brownies. My beverage of choice is the root beer.

Their menu reads:

"With over 28 varieties of fresh pizza, delicious pastas, crisp salads and delectable desserts, CiCi’s has something  for everyone. Our made-from-scratch crust, homemade marinara and garden fresh ingredients combine to make delicious meals."

The last time we all were there, I noticed this tired old broom standing in the corner. You can see how much use it has had! My friend had her cell phone handy and I coaxed her to shoot it. Then, when noticing the collection of uneaten crusts, I saw shapes and forms and asked her to take another shot. One of the friends collects and saves all these crusts to feed the ducks at the campground. 

Sure wish we had a CiCi's in Pennsylvania or nearby New York. The cost is right and the enjoyment with good friends is priceless.