December 5, 2013

Pear, Gorgonzola & Raspberry Honey Dessert Pizza

Minnesota State Fair Winner

Pear, Gorgonzola & Raspberry Honey Dessert Pizza

Crust

1 (3/4 oz.) pkg. Fleischmann’s Pizza Crust Yeast

1/4  cup brown sugar

3/4 cup luke warm water

1/2 cup luke warm milk

1 1/2 tsp salt

2 tbsp butter, melted

3 1/2 – 4 cups all purpose flour

Toppings

4 oz. cream cheese, softened

1/4 cup brown sugar

2 pears (any variety) thinly sliced

1/4 cup onion, shaved or thinly sliced

1/4 cup bacon pieces

1/4 cup gorgonzola cheese crumbs

1/2 cup provolone/mozzarella shredded cheese blend

1/4 cup pecan pieces

1/4 cup raspberry honey

Crust: In a medium bowl, stir to dissolve yeast and brown sugar in warm water, let stand for 5 minutes. Stir in milk, salt and melted butter. Add flour one cup at a time until three cups have been incorporated. Place dough on lightly floured work surface. Knead in additional 1/2 to 1 cup flour for 5 minutes. Roll into a ball, lightly oil the surface and place in a bowl covered with plastic wrap and a towel. Let rise in the refrigerator for 2 hours to overnight. Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Remove dough from bowl and roll into pizza crust shape. (For a thinner crust use half of the dough.) Brush crust lightly with oil and bake 5 minutes or until slightly brown. Remove from oven.

Toppings: In a small bowl mix together cream cheese and brown sugar until smooth. Spread over warm crust. Top with onions, pears, bacon, pecan and cheeses. Return to the oven and bake 8-10 minutes until cheese is melted and slightly brown. Remove from oven. Drizzle with honey. Cut and enjoy. Serves: 6-10 people

–Recipe from Lynda Decker, Minnesota State Fair Winner, 2013 Fleischmann’s Yeast Contest