Recipe: Pesto Pizza edit

Step 1

For the pesto: Rinse basil leaves well and pat dry before measuring. In blender or food processor combine oil, lemon juice (if used) and garlic; add basil, salt, pine nuts and cheese. Blend or process until pureed. Set aside, covered, to meld flavors.

Step 2

For the pizza: Preheat oven to 450 degrees. Heat olive oil in a large frying pan over medium-high heat. Add mushrooms and cook, stirring often, until they are lightly browned and their liquid has cooked away. Remove from heat.

Step 3

Sprinkle cheese over pizza crust(s). Arrange mushrooms over cheese.

Step 4

Bake on lowest rack of oven until crust is browned (15 to 20 minutes for 12-inch pizzas; about 25 minutes for 18-inch). Spoon pesto evenly over pizza; return to oven long enough to heat through (1 to 2 minutes). Serve at once.

Step 5

Makes 2 12-inch or one 18-inch unbaked pizza.