Appetizers Main Dishes

Stromboli Ring, Italian Spritz, and The Kaiju Preservation Society

September 28, 2025
editor
The savory Stromboli Ring, with its melty cheese and delightful deli meats wrapped in pizza dough, pairs beautifully with John Scalzi's amusing and imaginative novel *The Kaiju Preservation Society*. Both offer a sensory escape from the mundane into pleasure-filled indulgence. To complement this duo, a glass of
Stromboli Ring

Ingredients

  • 1 lb pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
  • 1/2 cup marinara sauce (plus extra for dipping)
  • 6 oz thinly sliced deli meats (ham, salami, pepperoni, etc.)
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 cup roasted red peppers or other favorite toppings (optional)
  • 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
  • 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (optional)

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
  • Roll out the dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the pizza dough into a large rectangle, about 12×18 inches.
  • Layer the ingredients: Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce over the dough, leaving about an inch of space around the edges. Evenly layer the deli meats, shredded mozzarella, Parmesan cheese, and any additional toppings, such as roasted red peppers, on top of the sauce. Sprinkle with Italian seasoning.
  • Roll the dough: Starting from the long side, tightly roll the dough into a log, pinching the seams to seal it. Carefully shape the log into a ring and pinch the ends together to close the circle.
  • Brush with egg wash: Place the stromboli ring on the prepared baking sheet. Brush the top with beaten egg to give it a golden crust as it bakes.
  • Bake: Bake the stromboli ring in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the dough is golden brown and cooked through.
  • Garnish and serve: Remove from the oven and let the stromboli ring cool slightly before slicing. Brush with olive oil and garnish with fresh parsley, if desired. Serve with extra marinara sauce for dipping.

The Kaiju Preservation Society

The Kaiju Preservation Society

A thrilling and humorous science fiction novel where the mundane world drifts away into a world of giant creatures and grand adventures. This is a book that makes you question what adventure and exploration truly mean in a modern world.
The Kaiju Preservation Society is John Scalzi's first standalone adventure since the conclusion of his New York Times bestselling Interdependency trilogy. When COVID-19 sweeps through New York City, Jamie Gray is stuck as a dead-end driver for food delivery apps. That is, until Jamie makes a delivery to an old acquaintance, Tom, who works at what he calls “an animal rights organization.” Tom’s team needs a last-minute grunt to handle things on their next field visit. Jamie, eager to do anything, immediately signs on. What Tom doesn't tell Jamie is that the animals his team cares for are not here on Earth. Not our Earth, at least. In an alternate dimension, massive dinosaur-like creatures named Kaiju roam a warm, human-free world. They're the universe's largest and most dangerous panda and they're in trouble. It's not just the Kaiju Preservation Society who have found their way to the alternate world. Others have, too. And their carelessness could cause millions back on our Earth to die. At the Publisher's request, this title is being sold without Digital Rights Management Software (DRM) applied.

Discussion Questions

  • How does Scalzi use humor to address deeper themes in the book?
  • Explore the idea of kaiju as a metaphor for natural disasters.
  • What parallels can be drawn between the protagonist's journey and personal growth?
  • Discuss the societal commentary present in the portrayal of the 'Preservation Society'.
  • Why do you think Scalzi chooses kaiju—giant, fictional creatures—as the central focus?
  • How does the character development support or hinder the plot?
  • What role does technology play in the story's world-building?
  • Consider the ethical implications of 'preserving' kaiju.
  • How does the book's setting influence the narrative?
  • What messages does the book convey about teamwork and community?
Authors: John Scalzi
ISBN: 9786110234567
Publisher: Tor Books
Published Date: 2022-03-15

Italian Spritz

Italian Spritz
A refreshing Italian cocktail combining the boldness of prosecco with the bitterness of aperol, perfect alongside the flavorful Stromboli Ring.

Ingredients

  • 3 oz Prosecco
  • 2 oz Aperol
  • 1 oz soda water
  • Orange slice (for garnish)
  • Ice cubes

Instructions

  • Fill a glass with ice cubes.
  • Pour the Aperol over the ice.
  • Top with prosecco and soda water.
  • Stir gently to combine.
  • Garnish with an orange slice and serve.