Printable | Taste of Home

Cherry Cheese Pizza

1 cup all-purpose flour
1/8 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 cup cold butter
2 tablespoons shortening
3 to 4 tablespoons water
1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup sugar
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/3 cup chopped pecans
TOPPING:
2-1/2 cups fresh or frozen pitted tart cherries or 1 can (15 ounces) tart cherries
1/3 cup sugar
2 tablespoons cornstarch
1 tablespoon butter
1/8 teaspoon almond extract
1/8 teaspoon red food coloring
Whipped cream and fresh mint, optional

In a large bowl, combine flour and baking powder; cut in butter and shortening

Printed from tasteofhome.com Jul 25, 2008

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Cherry Cheese Pizza cont.

until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add water, tossing with a fork
until dough forms a ball. Roll out into a 14-in. circle. Place on an ungreased
12-in. pizza pan. Flute edges to form a rim; prick bottom of crust. Bake at
350° for 15 minutes. In a large 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 large 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. Top with whipped cream and mint if desired.

Yield: 10-12 slices.