How to use a pizza stone

Pizza stones are a handy gadget to have when you are a student of culinary arts programs and likely don't happen to have a fancy pizza oven at your disposal. These super tools aren't just for pizza, though – they are pretty useful for other culinary endeavors too. 

How do I use this thing?
Pizza stones are simple to use. Just roll out your dough on the countertop or a cutting board while your stone is warming in the oven. When your dough is ready, take the stone out and place it on your stovetop. While being careful not to burn yourself, spread the dough onto the stone and then bake away. If this is your very first time using the stone, you'll want to use non-stick spray as it has not yet been seasoned. After a few uses, it will become non-stick and won't require extra butter or grease. 

Keep in mind that you should never use soap to wash your stone as it can erode the outside. Instead, scrape off any food matter and clean it with hot water. 

Things to make
The author of Feels Like Home makes a plethora of foods on her pizza stone. She buys a kit from Auntie Anne's to make homemade pretzels on it, as well as quesadillas. Apple strudel, giant cookies, french fries and even falafel can be made on this versatile kitchen tool. Pizza stones are well known for removing moisture from what is being cooked on them, which allows for seriously crispy pizza dough and will also help to make other items turn golden brown when baked. Here are a few recipes to try:

• Cookie Monster Cooking makes two loaves of vegetarian cranberry walnut bread on her pizza stones. These sweet breads are perfect to add to your favorite brunch spread!
• The Mamas Girls use their pizza stone to create gorgeous braided pizza calzones. Talk about a seriously good way to end any day, with tasty Italian dough filled with mozzarella, basil, pepperoni and marinara sauce. You can add whatever toppings you like to this dough after it has been partially baked on a pizza stone. 
• Add a Pinch came up with an easy recipe for cinnamon sugar knots that can be baked atop a pizza stone. Make pizza dough first, then roll it out and cut into strips. Tie each section into a knot and brush melted butter over top. Then, sprinkle with cinnamon sugar and bake. If your kids have a last-minute sleepover party, this is a great option for a late-night snack or breakfast in the morning. 
• Torview Toronto shared this recipe for making naan on a pizza stone. If you dabble in the baking and pastry arts, you likely have nearly all of the ingredients at home already. Simply mix, let rise, knead and bake and you'll have your very own homemade naan. If you're a fan of chutney and lentil dishes, this is a great pairing to add to your meal. Plus, it's easy to make and you can personalize it with some added herbs and spices like garlic and rosemary.