Spring Pizza

Ingredients

• 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 bunch asparagus (about 1 pound)
• 1/2 cup snipped fresh chives (from 1 bunch), divided
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
• 1 pound whole-wheat pizza dough
• 1 cup shredded fontina or mozzarella cheese

Directions

• 1.

  Position rack in lower third of oven, place a pizza stone or large pizza pan on the rack and preheat oven to 450°F for at least 15 minutes.

• 2.

  Meanwhile, combine 2 tablespoons oil and garlic in a small bowl; set aside. Trim asparagus spears to about 6 inches long; slice any thicker stalks in half lengthwise. Toss in a bowl with the remaining 1 tablespoon oil, ¼ cup chives, salt and pepper.

• 3.

  Roll out dough on a lightly floured surface to about a 14-inch circle.

• 4.

  Carefully remove the pizza stone or pan from the oven and set on a heatproof surface, such as your stovetop. Place the dough on the stone or pan and brush with the reserved garlic-oil mixture. Arrange the asparagus in a circular pattern on the dough with the tips facing out. Top with cheese and the remaining chives.

• 5.

  Carefully return the stone or pan to the oven and bake the pizza on the lower rack until crispy and golden and the cheese is melted, about 15 minutes.