The Art of Firing: 

Firing a wood-fired oven requires patience and a delicate touch. First, make sure the oven is free of ash and dirt. Remove any debris to ensure optimal heat distribution. To light the fire, first place small pieces of wood or fire starters in the center of the oven. Then stack larger logs on top and arrange them in a cone shape. You can also use a fire poker. This promotes air circulation and ensures even burning. 

Once the fire is lit, you must regularly add wood to maintain the temperature. Use dry wood that burns well. Hardwoods like oak or beech are particularly suitable as they produce long-lasting embers. Be aware that too much wood can overheat the oven, while too little wood will let the temperature drop. It takes some practice to find the right balance. Observe the flames and the color of the embers to gauge the state of the fire. Even embers with a light flame are ideal for baking. 

Once the wood-fired oven reaches the right temperature (ideally between 300°C and 400°C), it's time to prepare the pizza. Start by rolling out the pizza dough (here's our classic pizza dough recipe) thinly and topping it with tomato sauce and your preferred ingredients. Remember not to use too many toppings, as they might make the pizza soggy. 

Use a special pizza peel or a wooden board dusted with flour to slide the pizza into the oven. Place the pizza on the hot stone in the oven and let it bake for about 2-5 minutes. The exact baking time depends on the oven's temperature and the thickness of the dough, so it's important to monitor the progress. 

The perfect pizza from a wood-fired oven has a crispy crust and a juicy, flavorful topping. The oven imparts a smoky aroma and a unique texture to the pizza that sets it apart from conventional oven-baked pizza. Be patient and practice to get the hang of cooking with a wood-fired oven. It may take a few tries to master the fire and reach the optimal temperature for your pizza. 

A wood-fired oven offers you the opportunity to create not only delicious pizzas but also bread, rolls, and other delectable dishes. Take advantage of the versatility of this traditional cooking appliance and experiment with different recipes.

Firing a wood-fired oven, adding wood, and preparing a pizza require a certain level of experience and finesse. Over time, you will master the art of wood-fired cooking and enjoy delicious, authentic foods. So get started, try new recipes, and enjoy the benefits of a wood-fired oven in your own home!