DELICIOUS CHERRY CHEESE PIZZA

Delicious Cherry Cheese Pizza image

Provided by Cassie *

Time 50m

Number Of Ingredients 20

CRUST
1 c all-purpose flour
1/8 tsp baking powder
1/4 c cold butter
2 Tbsp shortening
3 - 4 Tbsp water
FILLING
1 pkg (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened
1/2 c sugar
2 eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/3 c chopped pecans
TOPPING
2 1/2 c fresh or frozen pitted tart cherries or 1 can (15 ounces) tart cherries
1/3 c sugar
2 Tbsp cornstarch
1 Tbsp butter
1/8 tsp almond extract -( i use vanilla )
1/8 tsp red food coloring
whipped cream and fresh mint, optional

Steps:

1. In a large 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. I do this in my food processor...works great.
2. 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.
3. In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Beat in eggs and vanilla. Stir in nuts. Spread over crust. Bake 10 minutes longer. Cool.
4. 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.
5. Remove from the heat; stir in butter, extract and food coloring.
6. Cool to room temperature; spread over cream cheese layer. Top with whipped cream and mint if desired.