/05

Apple Dessert Pizza

Source: applesforhealth.com

2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons sugar, divided
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup 70% vegetable oil spread
1 egg
1 tablespoon water
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
4 medium Granny Smith apples, peeled, thinly sliced
1/2 cup apricot preserves

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Combine the flour, 1/2 cup of the sugar, baking powder and salt in a large mixing bowl and mix well. Cut in the vegetable oil spread until crumbly.

Whisk the egg and water in a small bowl until blended. Add to the flour mixture, stirring until the mixture forms a ball. Pat the dough over the bottom and up the side of a 14-inch pizza pan. Sprinkle with a mixture of the remaining 2 tablespoons sugar and cinnamon. Arrange the apple slices in concentric circles over the dough, beginning at the outside edge and overlapping slightly. Fill the center with the remaining slices to form a blossom shape.

Bake for 40 minutes or until the apples are tender and the crust is light golden brown. Remove to a cooling rack.

Spoon the preserves into a microwave-safe dish. Microwave on high for 30 to 45 seconds or until melted. Brush the preserves over the warm pizza. Cut into wedges. Serve warm or cool.

Cook's Tip: The 70% vegetable oil spread is a reduced-fat product available in sticks in the dairy section of the grocery store. For best results, do not use tub, soft or whipped products for baking. The added water and air in these products can cause baked goods to be thins, flat and tough.