November 12: National Pizza [1] With Everything Day (Except Anchovies)

This most popular of American dishes started out as a primitive flatbread and cheese meal somewhere in the Mediterranean [2] region. While pepperoni wins as America’s favorite topping, the folks at Wisconsin Milk Marketing Board—whose members make much of the great cheese that tops your pizzas—have developed some groovy recipes [2] that let you defer the tried-and-true pepperoni, meatballs, mushrooms, onions and pepper for another day.

So call your friends, tell them to bring the craft beer or artisan soda, and celebrate in gourmet style. But before you hit the recipes, chow down on the history of pizza.