Perfect Pizza from Year 2 Boys - Nov 2011

Altrincham Preparatory School enjoyed a school trip to top the lot when they learned the ancient art of making the perfect pizza.

Hale Pizza Express chef Jacob Gabriel showed the boys how to make a classic Neapolitan pizza, while Front of House Manager Christina Knight gave them a few tips on top quality customer service.

Thought to be originally made from Buffalo Mozzarella, reared in the Bay of Naples and plum tomatoes grown on the volcanic plains of Vesuvius, Pizza is now the world’s favourite fast food.

As well as history, there were also lessons in nutrition, food hygiene, packaging and storage as the mini commis chefs toured the kitchen, fridges and freezers, gaining a detailed understanding of just what each member of the team does in a successful High Street restaurant.

Chef Jacob Gabriel said: “The secret of making a good pizza begins the night before when you take the dough out of the freezer. The next day when you prepare the dish you only have a 20 minute window when the dough is perfect for cooking. ”

He added: “At the moment the current favourite for the taste buds in Hale is our chicken pizza Pollo ad Astra, but the perennial best seller is the American with the pepperoni. ”

He added: “We really enjoy the school visits, though I am not so sure that we would normally end up with so much flour on the floor, during normal working hours. ”

Caroline Austen APS Deputy Headmistress said: “"This trip provided the perfect opportuniyt for 'hands on' learning. The boys extended their knowledge in areas such as nutrition, hygiene and measures and they had a fantastic time!

APS Mum Claire said: “We buy pizza and make our own at home, so I will be making sure James uses his new skills in the family kitchen. ”

Pictured is Pizza Express Chef Jacob Hindle with Altrincham Preparatory School’s young gastronomes (top), and mum and son Claire and James Hindle (lower)