httpvp://www.youtube.com/view_play_list?p=628E185421A6A375
Hey, Dessert Friends!
This week, I finally get to introduce some new friends of mine who love to cook as much as Helenka and I do. [Evil editor stares in shock and awe at this bit of audacious information!]
As explained in episode 2, Fiona, a colleague of mine from work, challenged me to a cheesecake bake-off. Well, while I ended up with a cheesecake pie (what was I thinking, but the flavours were there), she had this wonderful, very professional looking one that – of course – won.
Fiona told me up front that she had a secret weapon who taught her how to make this cheesecake. So I said, if she won, she would have to be on my show with her secret weapon. She agreed. I think I got the better deal anyway. 🙂 Later, Fiona hinted I was somewhat aware of her secret weapon because, unbeknownst to me, this person was following me on Twitter at the time. Ahh, Fiona, that was sneaky.
Needless to say, Fiona and Menka came over to film this very good Caramel Apple Pizza (with thanks to DivaQ for the recipe which we adapted for my oven instead of a BBQ). Menka and I got to know each other a bit better, as I already knew Fiona. I decided there definitely would be more adventures in food to come with this pair. We spent about five or so hours together creating this episode. I had a tough time reducing it down to 10 minutes, so I experimented and created two parts about 18 minutes long. Then I made a playlist within YouTube to put it all together. It’s my first time doing this, so please forgive any errors.
In fact, we had so much fun, we got back together to create more desserts and savoury pies, but those are other stories yet to be told. 😉
The original recipe was published in the Toronto Star ( click here for the link)
I’m also reproducing it here on the off-chance that the link does not work.
BBQ – Oven conversion was 400F for the baking of the pizza and your time will need to be adjusted.
Till next time … “Life’s sweet treats are best enjoyed with friends!”
Dig in and Enjoy!!
B =;)
Recipe: Diva Q’s Caramel Apple Pizza Perfection
Ingredients
- Caramel sauce:1/4 cup (60 ml) water
1/2 cup (120 ml) packed brown sugar
1 tbsp (15 ml) corn starch
1/3 cup (80 ml) whipping cream
2 tbsp (30 ml) corn syrup
2 tbsp (30 ml) unsalted butter
1/2 tsp (2 ml) pure vanilla - Pizza:750-g bag fresh pizza dough
All-purpose flour and cornmeal for dusting
2 Ontario apples (such as Gala or Red Prince), unpeeled, cored, thinly sliced - Ground cinnamon for sprinkling125 g (5 oz) cream cheese (half a package), at room temperature
2 tbsp (30 ml) granulated sugar
- Skor toffee bits for sprinkling
Directions
- For caramel sauce, in small saucepan, combine water, sugar, corn starch, cream and corn syrup. Bring to boil over high heat. Boil 2 minutes, reducing heat slightly if needed. Remove from heat; stir in butter and vanilla. Reserve.
- For pizza, bring to room temperature as per package instructions. Remove from bag; divide into 2 balls.
- On lightly floured surface, pull and shape into 2 pizzas, about 9 inches (23 cm) wide. Crimp edges as you would with pie. Prick dough all over with fork tines. Let rest at room temperature 30 minutes. Slip onto cornmeal or flour-dusted pizza paddle. Place on oiled grill preheated to medium-high (about 550F/280C); close lid. Grill about 3 to 4 minutes per side. Let cool.
- Place apple slices directly on grill. Grill 1 to 2 minutes per side, until softened and browned. Transfer to platter. Dust with cinnamon.
- In medium bowl, combine cream cheese and granulated sugar. Mash well with fork and beat with wooden spoon until fluffy.
- To assemble, spread sweetened cream cheese over each pizza as desired. Divide apples evenly over pizzas. Generously drizzle each with caramel sauce. (Refrigerate any remaining cream cheese and caramel sauce for another use.) Sprinkle each with Skor bits. If needed, return pizza to grill for 1 to 2 minutes to quickly warm.
- Makes 2 pizzas (about 12 slices).
Number of servings (yield): 12
Meal type: dessert
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