Cherry Cheese Pizza

By s_curtis444

Ingredients

• TOPPING:
• 1 c. flour
• 1/8 tsp. baking powder
• 1/4 c. cold butter
• 2 tbsp. shortening
• 3-4 tbsp. water
• 1 pkg. cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 c. sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1 tsp. vanilla
• 1/3 c. chopped pecans
• 2 1/2 c. cherries or 1 can
• 1/3 c. sugar
• 2 tbsp. cornstarch
• 1 tbsp. butter
• 1/8 tsp. vanilla
• 1/8 tsp. red food colorin
• whipped cream

Preparation

Step 1

In a bowl, combine flour and baking powder; cut in butter and shortening until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add water, tossing w/ a fork till dough forms a ball. Roll out into 14" circle. Place on an ungreased 12" pizza pan. FLute edges to form a rim; prink bottom of crust. Bake at 350 for 15 mins.

In a mixing bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar till smooth. Beat in eggs and vanilla. Stir in nuts. Spread over crust. Bake 10 mins. longer. Cool. Drain cherreis, reserving 1/3 c. juice. Set cherries and juice aside.

In a saucepan, combine sugar and cornstarch; stir in reserved juice till smooth. Add cherries. Cook and stir over med. heat till mixture comes to boil. Cook and stir 2 mins. longer. Remove from heat; stir in butter, extract, and food coloring. Cool to room temp.; spread over cream cheese layer. Garnish w/ whipped cream if desired.