Spinach and Artichoke Dip Pizza

Oh, do I have a pizza recipe for you.  This is by far one of the best homemade pizza's I have ever made.  Seriously so good.  Holly and Dan, this one if for you. So yummy, and pretty easy.


Spinach and Artichoke Dip Pizza


1 14" pizza crust, pre-made from the store, your favorite crust recipe, I used this one  http://www.ourbestbites.com/2008/04/breadsticks-and-pizza-dough/
2 tbsp olive oil
1/2 medium white onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tbsp flour
1/4 cup heavy whipping cream
1 1/4 cup milk (I used skim)
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
1/2 cup parmesan cheese
1 (14 oz) can quartered artichoke hearts
4 cups fresh baby spinach
1 cup shredded rotisserie chicken (I boiled 2 small breast and then shredded)
1 cup shredded Italian cheese blend


Directions:


Preheat oven to 450 degrees or light grill.  I used the grill.


Prepare pizza crust as directed.  *If using a homemade crust or crust made from a mix, you will want to pre-cook the crust in the oven for 5 minutes or on top of the grill for 3 minutes so the middle of the pie does not become mushy with the toppings on it.


In large skillet or pot, heat olive oil over medium heat.  When oil is warm, add onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes.  Add garlic and cook one more minutes.  Add flour and stir to mix with onions, then slowly whisk in heavy whipping cream followed by the milk, salt, and red pepper flakes.
Lastly, stir in parmesan cheese until combined.


Place spinach in microwavable bowl and microwave on high for 1 minute.  Spinach will wilt slightly.  Add to cream mixture, and stir until it is completely wilted.  Add artichoke hearts and stir to combine.


Spread spinach and artichoke cream mixture onto prepared pizza crust.   Top evenly with shredded chicken, followed by Italian cheese blend.  Bake in preheated oven for 9-11 minutes, or until cheese is golden brown, or on a pizza screen on the grill for 5-7 minutes (check every couple of minutes to make sure bottom is not burning).


Cut into slices, and enjoy.  

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.