Friday, August 1, 2014

apple & peach caramel pizza

a satisfying end to a homemade pizza dinner
My brother in law and his wife came for a visit last night and we had a great time in the kitchen making thin crust pizzas for dinner.  We saved the last piece of dough for dessert - and topped it with apples, peaches, and a homemade caramel sauce.  Absolutely one of the easiest desserts to make, and a very satisfying sweet end to any meal.

what you need:
  • thin crust pizza dough
  • 2 peaches
  • 2 apples (something firm like empire or granny smith is best, but any kind will do)
  • 1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • 1/2 cup whole rolled oats
  • 2 tbsp coconut sugar or brown sugar
  • 1 heaping tbsp coconut oil or butter
  • caramel sauce (homemade best!)
    • 1 cup sugar
    • 1/4 cup water
    • 3/4 cup 10% cream
    • 3 tbsp butter
    • 1 tsp sea salt
what to do:
caramel sauce
  1. In a sauce pan on medium low, put in 1/4 water.  Add sugar to the centre of the pan, making a small hill.  Do not stir.
  2. Sugar will begin to dissolve, you can swirl the pan gently but do not stir.  Keep an eye on it until it turns golden - about 8 minutes - then remove from heat immediately to avoid burning.
  3. Add cream (it will bubble) - swirl it around, then add butter.  Sprinkle sea salt and swirl.  You can use a wooden spoon to stir gently at this point.
  4. Once the caramel is cool enough, transfer to a mason jar (or other jar for storing).
the pizza
  1. Cut thoroughly washed apples and peaches into bite size pieces.
  2. In a pan (you can use the same one as the caramel sauce - less dishwashing!) - add the fruit and then place it over medium heat.  Cook fruit for about 10 minutes, just until slightly tender (but not mushy).  Add vanilla and stir.  The fruit can be made ahead of time and used when you're ready to serve.
  3. With a fork, roughly mix oatmeal, sugar and coconut oil until crumbly.
  4. Preheat oven to 425 F.  Use a pizza stone if you have one (otherwise, just place pizza on baking sheet).  Roll out dough, then top with fruit mixture.  Spoon caramel sauce generously over fruit and around the pizza crust edges, then sprinkle all over with oatmeal crumble.
  5. Bake for about 8-10 minutes, until crust is lightly golden.  Serve hot, topped with something cold like vanilla ice cream, frozen yogurt or even greek yogurt. Enjoy!