SERVES 6
Since strawberries are at their sweet, juicy peak now, there is no need to cook or bake them. You can also bake the "crusts" ahead of time, if desired, to shorten the process. As the season progresses, feel free to swap strawberries for blueberries, peaches, or nectarines, because the custardy "cheese" is the perfect not-too-sweet base for any in-season fruit. Individual pies are a fun way to entertain kids at summer barbecues.
For the crust:
- 3 sticks unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups cane sugar
- 2 eggs
- 2 tablespoons vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 4 cups all-purpose flour, sifted
- Preheat your oven to 350° F. In a standing mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream the butter and sugar together until creamy and fluffy, about 4 minutes. Scrape down the sides of the bowl every so often.
- With the mixer on low speed, add the eggs one at a time, beating each until it's incorporated.
- Add the vanilla and salt. Slowly add the flour, beating until it's combined. Scrape down the sides of the bowl.
- Separate the dough into balls for individual "pizzas," about a 1/2 cup to 3/4 cup of dough for each child. Use a rolling pin dusted with powdered sugar to roll out the dough ball until it's a half inch thick (or have each kid roll out his own).
- Place the disks on a parchment-covered baking sheet, and bake until light brown, about 13 minutes. While the "pizza crust" bakes, prepare the cheese filling.
For the cheese:
- 8 ounces cream cheese or Neufchâtel cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla or almond extract
In the standing mixer, whisk together the cream cheese, powdered sugar, sour cream, and vanilla or almond extracts.
For the toppings:
2 pints various fruit, like sliced strawberries for "pepperoni" and peeled and slivered peaches or nectarines for "yellow peppers." Try adding some "basil" (mint leaves) if you have a young gourmet on your hands.
Once the crusts are cool, place each on a plate, and have each child use a spoon to spread the cheese, then arrange strawberries and other fruit on top. Chill them for about 5 minutes, until the cheese layer thickens slightly.
