Can I really do that?

Anyone else out there love Real Simple?  I was perusing my daily meal ideas when I found these ideas for how to top Pizza.  I love 'different' pizzas - especially if they will help me keep my New Year's Resolutions!  AND at the end of this post, I'll share with you my 'secret' pizza crust.  The biggest secrets are that it is quick to make and healthy for you too!  So, go ahead and give in to those cravings - just be smart with your choice!

Smoky Barbecued Chicken
Barbecue sauce, barbecued-chicken slices, red bell pepper, smoked Gouda, cilantro.

Pesto and Goat Cheese
Pesto, sliced tomato, goat cheese.

Hawaiian
Tomato sauce or sliced tomato, pineapple chunks, Canadian bacon, sharp Cheddar.

Shrimp Scampi
Sautéed shrimp and garlic, chopped arugula, Parmesan, mozzarella.

Scalloped Potato
Thinly sliced cooked red-skinned potatoes, caramelized onions, crumbled bacon, Fontina cheese, a drizzle of heavy cream or ranch dressing.

Alfredo
Alfredo sauce, crumbled blue cheese, toasted walnuts, Parmesan.

Salad
Mesclun mix, sliced grape tomatoes, shaved Pecorino or Parmesan, balsamic vinaigrette. (Add toppings after baking.)

Middle Eastern
Hummus, sliced tomato, pitted Kalamata olives, green olives, crumbled Feta cheese, fresh parsley, a drizzle of olive oil.
More pizza ideas featured today: 

Sausage, Spinach, and Provolone

Provolone Ham, Gruyere, and Shallot

Tomato, Olive, and Scallion Pizza

More Pizza-Making Essentials (and here) from Real Simple. All photos courtesy of Real Simple.

Instant Pizza Crust

1/2 cup low-fat plain yogurt (or vanilla yogurt for breakfast pizza)

1 cup whole wheat (or all-purpose)

1 tsp baking powder

3 Tbs low-fat milk

2 tbs light olive oil (or a specialty oil such as sunflower)

Salt to taste

For the dough, quickly knead together the yogurt, flour, baking powder, milk, 2tbs of oil, and 1/2 tsp salt. Preheat oven to 400F. line a baking sheet with parchment paper. On a slightly floured work surface, roll out the dough to a thin rectangle and transfer it to the baking sheet.  Pierce the dough several times with a fork. Distribute desired toppings over the dough. Bake 25-30 minutes on the middle over shelf. Serve.