Balsamic Strawberry Pizza

YUM.

As I sit at my laptop writing this, that is all that comes to mind.  I don’t know how to tell you how much I enjoyed this pizza.  Well, looks like now I have.  Again: YUM.

I chose to make this pizza solely based on the frozen strawberries in my freezer that need to be used before the end of the semester.  I am so glad I bought those strawberries now- they led me to this moment, this pizza.  I definitely know how I am going to use the rest of them- with this pizza.

This is a unique pizza combination, using a balsamic strawberry sauce in place of pizza sauce.  It has a perfect balance of sauce, cheese, and toppings.  It’s sweet and spicy, soft and crunchy, vegetabley and meaty.  I inhaled this pizza and promptly made it again for dinner next week.  And I already contemplating making it yet again.  

BALSAMIC STRAWBERRY PIZZA

Adapted from Pennies on a Platter
Originally The Café Sucré Farine

INGREDIENTS

For the Pizza Dough:

1 package active yeast
1/2 cup water, 110°F

1/4 teaspoon granulated sugar

1 1/2 cups all purpose flour

1/2 teaspoon salt

For the Pizza Toppings:

1 1/2 cup frozen strawberries
Granulated sugar, to taste

1/4 cup balsamic vinegar

Olive oil
1/2 red onion, sliced

4 ounces Canadian bacon, chopped

6 ounces chicken breast, chopped

4 ounces fresh mozzarella, thinly sliced

Cilantro, optional

DIRECTIONS

Preheat oven to 475°F.

Dissolve yeast in water.  Stir in granulated sugar. Let sit 10 minutes until foamy. In a medium bowl combine flour and salt. Add yeast mixture to flour mixture. Stir with a wooden spoon until soft dough forms. Knead dough on floured surface for 5-10 minutes.  Let rise 30-40 minutes in a warm place.

Meanwhile, puree frozen strawberries in a food processor.  If needed, add sugar until at desired level of sweetness.  In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine strawberry puree and balsamic vinegar.  Bring to a boil, and then reduce the heat to low.  Let simmer for 6-9 minutes, until thickened.  Remove from heat and let cool.

Heat a large skillet over medium heat.  Coat pan in olive oil and add chicken breast.  Cook for 4-5 minutes, until no longer pink.  Add more olive oil if needed.  Add Canadian bacon and onions.  Cook for 4-5 additional minutes, until onions are softened and Canadian bacon is crispy.  Remove from heat.

Prepare a pizza stone or spray a baking sheet with nonstick spray.  Roll pizza crust to desired thinness.  Spread balsamic strawberry sauce evenly on crust..  Top with mozzarella, red onion, chicken, and Canadian bacon.  If desired, brush crust with olive oil.  Bake for 10-15 minutes, until crust is golden brown.  Remove from oven and top with chopped cilantro if desired.

Serves 2-3.

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