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The Guy Raz Special: Alsatian Tarte Pizza

Back in 2000, I was sent as a young reporter to cover Germany. I used to hang out at a restaurant on the banks of the River Spree called Ständige Vertretung. It was a popular journalist hangout that served (and still serves) crisp, delicious Kölsch beer in little glasses. One of their pizzas was an Alsatian Tarte (also known as a tarte flambée, flammkuchen, or flame cake), a Franco-German favorite, though who invented it is hotly contested. Though I can’t remember everything the restaurant put on it, I do remember three key flavors: slightly tart cream, salty bacon and sweet, caramelized onions.
I never forget faces or food (though I do forget names!) and this pizza/tarte planted itself in my brain. Almost a decade and a half later, when I purchased my first Ooni pizza oven, I tried to recreate those flavors on a Neapolitan-style pizza. I have been reluctant to give this one away because...well...it's a game-changer. It might just make you the most popular dinner-party chef in your neighborhood. I promise you. If you do this right, you'll be a hero–even if it's just for one day.
Two 12-inch (30-centimeter) pizzas
20 minutes
8 to 11 ½ minutes
By Guy Raz
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For the dough, Guy uses Sam Sifton's Roberta's pizza dough recipe, but you can also use our Classic Pizza Dough; just be sure to set aside 4 to 5 hours for prep and proofing. For the cheese, Guy likes fromage frais, a creamy and smooth skimmed cow’s, goat’s, or sheep’s milk cheese from France that’s very spreadable. If you can’t find any, farmer's cheese or cream cheese will also work here.
Guy Raz
Guy Raz (@guy.raz) is a producer, award-winning reporter, radio and podcast host and creator who has been described by The New York Times as "one of the most popular podcasters in history." Guy is also the founder and CEO of Built-It Productions and the creator behind “How I Built This,” which featured Ooni founders Kristian Tapaninaho and Darina Garland in 2022, and the former host and co-creator of TED Radio Hour. Learn more at guyraz.com.
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