Part 6 in the “Pizzas with Dave” series. “Strawberry Balsamic Pizza with Mint.When I was writing out the various pizza recipes I wanted to make for this series, this was the only dessert pizza on my menu. I love the classic combination of strawberries and balsamic. Mint also lends itself so well to both ingredients as well. Cream cheese sounded like the perfect “sauce” to coat the crust.

This pizza was a hit. From the 4 year old to the over-40 year olds, every piece was taken the moment it was cut. After we made this pizza and loved it, Dave and I cobbled together the Strawberry Banana Brûléed Pizza because this one was so intensely flavorful. The strawberries were bright and juicy, the balsamic bold and tangy, the mint bright, crisp and fresh all together with a terrific dough and the creamy cream cheese.

Warm, slightly melted cream cheese on French bread is a personal favorite treat. It is simple but delicious. It was in high school at my best friend Lin’s home that I became addicted to this snack. I’ve not outgrown it, I just rarely indulge, but when I do, a strong cup of dark roasted coffee is the perfect companion. But I digress. I just knew that using cream cheese as the sauce would be absolutely fantastic and I was right. The smoky flavor the oven imparts is this side of heaven.

A note about the balsamic. Usually less is more in recipes, particularly for any type of vinegars, but for me balsamic is always a more is more situation. But remember, I am the girl that said I’d probably take a shot of the stuff if dared.

Hope you enjoy this pizza as much as the rest of us did.