Arizmendi Bakery
A Worker-Owned Cooperative
Frequently Asked Questions
Why the name "Arizmendi"?
Arizmendi is the shortened name of José Maria Arizmendiarrieta, a young priest who inspired and helped found the Mondragón Cooperatives in the Basque Country of Spain. Although worker cooperatives have functioned in most parts of the world since the 19th century, the success of the Mondragón Cooperatives has attracted worldwide attention. What started as one firm and roughly 25 people in 1956 is now a major international business with a work force of over 34,000, employed in some 100 worker-owned enterprises and affiliated organizations. These cooperatives continue to be inspired by Arizmendi's belief that worker ownership and participation in the workplace should be an integral part of a just and democratic society. Through their financial, technical and organizational alliances, the Mondragón Cooperative Corporation helps develop new businesses, supports existing ones, and facilitates mutual support among member cooperatives. The name Arizmendi acknowledges his inspiration in our effort to expand democratically owned and operated workplaces.
How do I bake a lite-baked pizza?
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
- Remove pizza from box and place directly on oven rack.
- Bake for 5-10 minutes until cheese starts to brown.
How do I make my own pizza using your dough?
- With lightly floured hands, round the dough and then cover with a damp towel (or loosely with plastic wrap) and let rest for 1-3 hours depending on kitchen temperature.
- Press dough down with pads of fingers and let rest for another 10-20 minutes.
- Get your pan ready (a cookie sheet works fine) by brushing with olive oil and dusting with cornmeal.
- When the dough is ready (it will stretch easily and not spring back), stretch to the size and thickness you desire.
- Add toppings!
- Bake in pre-heated 500 degree oven for 10-15 minutes until the crust feels firm enough to slide off the pan and toppings are browned to your liking.
- While your pizza is baking, heat a griddle on your stove.
- Transfer pizza from pan to griddle and let the crust cook until golden and crisp.