Tasty Treat Thursday: Fruit Pizza

Last weekend we had the opportunity to celebrate my MIL's birthday. She is a wonderful, hardworking, selfless woman. We love her.

We were sequestered to bring dessert. I knew I could pick up a cake at the store (or make one from a box mix at home), but for such a special lady, I wanted to switch it up and bring something...well...special.

Hubby and I ended up bringing two awesome dessert delights. First, I whipped up some of Jen's Cannoli Dip (complete with Cinnamon Sugar Tortilla chips) which was, as it always is, heaven. As I was making the Cannoli Dip, a memory surfaced from years ago of an amazingly tasty dessert that I had all but forgotten about.

It is this second dessert which I share with you today.

First, I need you to sit down.

Why? This tasty treat is seriously so delectable that you might faint. Or pee your pants. So, on second thought, sit down and put on some Depends.

Yes, it's that good.

I'm not sure where I first got the idea for this recipe. I'm sure it was served to me, and the recipe was told to me in a general "Oh, I add this and this and this together and VOILA!" So, I've had to piece together my own creation. YES folks: this is a Steph Original (and for those who didn't know...yes...my name is Steph). For whatever unfortunate reason, this creation was locked in the recipe box of my mind until this past weekend. Now that I remember it, I will be making it ALL. THE. TIME.

PS - it was a big hit for MIL's birthday!

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Tasty Treat Thursday

Fruit Pizza (aka "Heaven in Your Mouth")

• 1 box of Sugar Cookie Mix (complete with ingredients to make dough), or log of prepared Sugar Cookie Dough
• 1 package of Cream Cheese (I used lower fat)
• 1-1/2 cups Confectioners Sugar (have extra on hand)
• 1 tsp Cinnamon
• 2-3 cups of assorted Fruit (I like using Strawberries, Blueberries and Kiwi Fruit)
• (OPTIONAL) Honey

1. Prepare Sugar Cookie Mix into dough as directed on box (or feel free to make it from scratch). Preheat oven to degree mentioned on package direction. Spread cookie dough in a 12+ inch circle on a pizza pan (note: I didn't have a pizza pan, so I used a large, sideless cookie sheet and just eyed up a circle). Cookie the large cookie in oven as directed on package (note again: my package said 7-9 minutes, but since it was one large cookie, it took closer to 12-15 minutes - so just keep an eye on it and take it out when it is browned and done). When it is done, take Sugar Cookie out of oven and cool slightly.

2. In a small bowl, mix together Cream Cheese, Confectioners Sugar and Cinnamon. Important step: stick your finger into the mixture and taste it (I give you permission). If it is not sweet enough for your tastes, add more confectioners sugar. Taste again...just for fun.

3. Spread Cream Cheese Mixture over cookie (like frosting...or "pizza" sauce).

4. Top with rows of fruit (see picture). I alternate fruit in rows that measure roughly an inch to make it look nice. If you are using lots of different fruit, make 1 row per fruit. Since I only used 3 kind of fruit, I made them into a pattern.

5. Optional: Drizzle with honey.

6. Cut into "pizza wedges" and enjoy!

NOTES:

1. Instead of optional honey, you can heat up 1/2 cup of Apple Jelly (or, really, any kind of jelly) in a small saucepan over medium heat until it becomes liquidy. Glaze the top of the Fruit Pizza with the sauce.

2. I think this would taste fantastic with a Ricotta Cheese Cookie base. That will be my next endeavor - but if you beat me to it, let me know how it turns out!

3. To spice things up, sprinkle some chopped fresh Mint over the finished pizza.

4. Be creative and use whatever fruit you think would taste good! Nectarines, Bananas, Red Seedless Grapes - all would be great!

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I cannot wait to make this again, utilizing some of the notes I wrote above. I'd imagine once the Grower's Market is in full swing again this summer, I will be making this on a regular basis. Oh how wonderful it will be with fresh, in-season fruit!

If you have an upcoming event (hey, Superbowl is soon, right?), bring this as a tasty surprise! Your hosts will love you for it.

Parents - this might be a creative way to get your kids to eat fruit!

I'd love to know how this turns out for YOU! Also, do YOU have a great Tasty Treat recipe? Send it my way: moderndaydonnareed@gmail.com