Mushroom, Goat Cheese and Caramelized-Shallot Pizza

Created by Susan Spungen

Pizzas are topped with goat cheese and mushrooms for a delicious appetizer.

Servings: Makes two 16" x 5" pizzas

Ingredients:

•6 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
•8 medium shallots , sliced into thin rings
•1/2 teaspoon salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
•1 pound assorted mushrooms , uniformly sliced
•1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
•1 store-bought pizza dough
•2 (3.5-ounce) logs goat cheese , crumbled

Directions:

Place a pizza stone, if using, in center of oven. Preheat oven to 450°.

Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add shallots and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Sauté, stirring frequently, until shallots caramelize, 10 to 12 minutes. Set aside.

In another skillet, heat 2 tablespoons olive oil over medium-high heat. Add mushrooms, thyme and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Cook until mushrooms wilt and liquid evaporates, 5 to 7 minutes.

Divide dough and form two pizzas. Brush each with 1 tablespoon olive oil. Strew mushrooms and crumbled goat cheese evenly over pizzas.

Slide one pizza onto the hot stone. Bake until crust is golden, 8 to 10 minutes; repeat with the second pizza. If using a heavy baking sheet, increase cooking time to 10 to 12 minutes.

Strew caramelized shallots over tops of pizzas; season with pepper. Cut into wedges.

From Oprah.Com