Artichoke, Asparagus and Asiago Valentine Pizzas
by Stella Zedman
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Get the kids to help you make these delicious, heart-shaped pizzas to celebrate Valentine’s Day in a wonderfully cheesy way.
Ingredients
- pizza dough -- homemade or store-bought
- 2 tbsp. (30 mL) olive oil
- 1 can (28 oz/796 mL) diced tomatoes
- 1 jar (6 oz/170 mL) marinated artichoke hearts, drained
- 1 tsp. chopped garlic
- 1/2 tsp. (5 mL) salt
- 1/4 tsp. (1 mL) black pepper
- 1-1/2 cups (375 mL) shredded asiago cheese (about 6 oz/170 g)
- 4 oz. (113 g) fresh asparagus, cut into 1-inch (0.5 cm) pieces
Cooking Instructions
- If you want to use your own homemade dough you’ll have to prepare the dough at least one hour before you want to bake the pizzas. If you’re using store-bought pizza dough, begin with one 1-1/2 lb (750 g) package of fresh or frozen pizza dough.
- At least one hour before (or even a day ahead) you want to make the pizzas, prepare the tomato sauce. Measure the olive oil into a 9x13-inch (23 x 33 cm) baking dish. Pour in the diced tomatoes -- including all the juice. If the artichoke hearts are large, cut them in half but they should remain in substantial chunks. Add to the tomatoes in the pan along with the chopped garlic. Place in the oven and bake at 400 degrees F (200 degrees C) for 45 minutes, stirring once in a while, or until most of the liquid has evaporated and the sauce is thick. Let cool.
- Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F (220 degrees C). Grease two large baking sheets. Sprinkle lightly with cornmeal.
- Divide the pizza dough into 4 pieces. Roll out each ball of dough to approximately a 6-inch circle, then shape into a heart-shaped crust by pinching one side and indenting the other. Place on the prepared baking sheets, leaving plenty of room between for expansion. Spoon tomato sauce mixture over surface to within 1/2 inch (1 cm) of the edge of the dough, making sure you distribute the pieces of artichoke hearts evenly among the pizzas. Sprinkle with cheese and top with the asparagus pieces. Bake pizzas for 15 to 20 minutes or until the crust is lightly browned on the bottom and the toppings are melted.
Servings: 4
How kids can help:
If making your own dough, kids can help knead the dough.
Shape pizzas and add toppings.
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