Making pizza at home has become as easy as opening a tube of prepared pizza crust or a package of Boboli and throwing on some toppings. You could go the normal route of tomato sauce, cheese and pepperoni. But why not try this unusual Taste of Spring Spinach Pizza?

The secret to good, home-baked pizza is a hot oven. You can place your pizza on a regular cookie sheet, or use a pizza stone. This pizza is a well-rounded meal needing no accompaniments. You’ve got bread, dairy, protein, vegetables and even a little fruit. A glass of dry white wine would be nice, if you like. And, you might follow the meal with a frozen dessert like gourmet fudge-coated ice cream bars.

• 1 teaspoon cornmeal
• 1 tube prepared pizza crust dough
• 1 cup regular, lowfat or fat free ricotta cheese
• 1 teaspoon minced garlic
• Dash of salt and pepper
• 5 ounces bagged fresh baby spinach*
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 8 ounces sliced mushrooms
• 1 14.5 ounce can artichoke hearts, drained and quartered
• 1 8-ounce can juice-packed pineapple tidbits, drained, or 1 cup
• Fresh Italian seasoning
• Garlic salt
  

Combine ricotta cheese, minced garlic, salt and pepper to taste. Spread over crust. Layer remaining ingredients in order listed, sprinkling with Italian seasoning and garlic salt to taste.

Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, until crust is golden brown and cheese is melted.

Makes 4 servings.

*If using fresh spinach that is not prewashed and bagged, soak spinach in a large bowl filled with water to remove sand and dirt. Spin dry in a salad spinner or spread on paper towels and blot to dry.