CHERRY CHEESE PIZZA

By AngelaJanet

Ingredients

• TOPPING:
• 1 cup flour
• 1/8 tsp baking powder
• 1/4 cup cold butter or margarine
• 2 Tbsp shortening
• 3 - 4 Tbsp water
• 1 pkg (8 0z) cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla
• 1/3 cup chopped pecans or almonds
• 2 1/2 cup fresh or frozen pitted tart cherries
• 1/3 cup sugar
• 2 Tbsp cornstarch
• 1 Tbsp butter or margarine
• 1/8 tsp almond extract
• 1/8 tsp red food colouring, optional
• Whipped cream and fresh mint, optional

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 with a fork until dough forms a ball. Roll out into a 14-inch circle. Place on an ungreased 12-inch pizza pan. Flut edges to form a rim; prick bottom of crust. Bake at 350 for 15 minutes. In a mixing bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Beat in eggs and vanilla. Stir in nuts. Spread over crust. Bake 10 minutes longer. Cool. Drain cherries, reserving 1/3 cup juice. Set cherries and juice aside. In a saucepan, combine sugar and cornstarch; stir in reserved juice until smooth. Add cherries. Cook and stir over medium heat until mixture comes to a boil. Cook and stir 2 minutes longer. Remove from the heat; stir in butter, extract and food coloring. Cool to room temperature; spread over cream cheese layer. Garnish with whipped cream and mint if desired. Yield: 10-12 slices.