Roasted Asparagus and Lemon Chicken Pizza

Here is one that I saw on Studio Five the other week. I tried it last night. It was yummy, very gourmet. Not low in calories though. Now that Asparagus season is among us I thought it would be a fun one to try.
-Colleen

Roasted Asparagus and Lemon Chicken Pizza

Asparagus:

Ingredients:

• 1 bunch fresh, thin Asparagus -40-50 stalks
• 1 tbsb garlic olive oil, or extra virgin olive oil
• Sea Salt
• Fresh Cracked Pepper
• Zest of 1/2 lemon

Method:

On a baking sheet, lay asparagus out in a single layer. Drizzle with olive oil and toss to coat. Season with salt and pepper.
Bake for 12-14 minutes at 450 degrees.
Sprinkle with lemon zest.

Sauce:

Ingredients:

• 2 tbsp garlic olive oil, or extra virgin olive oil
• 2 tbsp flour
• 1 1/2 cups whole milk
• 1/2 tsp fresh minced garlic
• Zest from 1/2 lemon
• 2-3 tsp fresh lemon juice
• Salt
• Fresh cracked pepper to taste

Method:

Warm the oil in a small saucepan. Whisk in flour until smooth. Gradually whisk in the milk and bring to a boil over medium high heat. Reduce heat and simmer until sauce thickens. Whisk in fresh garlic. Remove from heat and add, lemon juice, lemon zest, salt and pepper to taste.

Crust:

Ingredients:

• 2 tsp yeast
• 1 cup + 2 tbsp warm water
• 3 cups flour
• 2 tsp salt
• 1 tbsp garlic olive oil, or extra virgin olive oil
  
• Additional ingredients:
• Cooked chicken breast, or rotisserie chicken, shredded
• 2 tbsp fresh Thyme, snipped
• 1 1//2 - 2 cups shredded mozzarella

Method:

Mix dry ingredients together. Stir in olive oil and water. Knead either by hand, or with mixer until dough is smooth. Cover and let rise, about 1 hour. (Dough can also be made in a bread machine.)

Spread dough to desired size and thickness. Lightly cook for 7-10 minutes at 450 degrees before adding toppings.


To assemble pizza:

Spread sauce onto toasted crust, top with chicken, thyme, and cheese.
Bake at 450 degrees for 12-14 minutes. Remove from oven and top with roasted asparagus.

Makes either two 12 inch pizzas or one 14 inch thick crust pizza.