FRUIT PIZZA DESSERT

VANILLA REFRIGERATOR COOKIES:




1 c. shortening

1/2 c. granulated sugar

1/2 c. brown sugar, packed

1 1/2 tsp. vanilla

2 3/4 c. Gold Medal flour

1/2 tsp. soda

1 tsp. soda



Mix shortening, sugars, eggs, and vanilla thoroughly. Measure flour by dipping method (do not tap flour in cup, level with knife). Blend dry ingredients together; mix into shortening mixture. Mix thoroughly with hands. Press and mold into a long, smooth roll about 2 1/2 inches in diameter. Wrap in waxed paper and chill for several hours.

On a round ungreased pizza pan, place 1/8 inch thick slices side by side around pan and completely fill pan. In oven, heated to 400 degrees, bake 6-8 minutes or until lightly browned. Cool cookie pizza.



Take an 8 oz. package of cream cheese at room temperature and mix it with 1 cup of powdered sugar. Spread it carefully over the cookie "pizza."



Any fruit can be used, but fresh fruits are the tastiest. Use bananas, strawberries, bing cherries, grapes, peaches, nectarines, pears, cantaloupe, etc. Start in the middle with a grape half or strawberry and with another fruit. Make a ring of cherries or such, then something else with a third row, alternate or whatever looks pretty. Fill the dessert pizza.



To keep the pizza pretty until served, take 2 or 3 tablespoons of orange marmalade and add 2 tablespoons water and mix. With a pastry brush, brush the complete pizza to keep the fruit fresh and pretty. Refrigerate until serving. Make 1 or 2 hours before serving. The pizza cookie can be made a day ahead.