For their delectably crusty and chewy pizzas, contestants Betty Fraser and Cliff Crooks adapted a bread recipe from star chef Jamie Oliver -- a recipe Fraser had memorized -- then covered it with slices of nutty Fontina cheese, prosciutto and sautéed onions. Ingredients DOUGH 1 envelope active dry yeast 1 cup warm water Pinch of sugar 1 teaspoon extra-virgin olive oil 1 teaspoon chopped thyme 1 teaspoon salt About 2 1/3 cups all-purpose flour TOPPINGS 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil 2 pounds white onions Salt and freshly ground pepper 3/4 pound Italian Fontina cheese sliced 8 thin slices of prosciutto 2 tablespoons grapeseed oil 1 tablespoon white truffle oil 2 tablespoons sherry vinegar 1 apple peeled cored, and cut into matchsticks 4 ounces arugula (6 cups)

Instructions
MAKE THE DOUGH: In a large bowl, mix the yeast with the water and sugar and let stand until foamy, about 5 minutes. Add the olive oil, thyme and salt. Add 2 cups of the flour and stir until a very soft, wet dough forms. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured work surface and knead, working in about 1/3 cup more flour, until the dough is soft and silky. Shape into a ball and put in a large, oiled bowl. Cover and let rise until doubled in bulk, about 1 hour at room temperature or overnight in the refrigerator.

MAKE THE TOPPINGS: Preheat the oven to 450°. Oil 2 large baking sheets. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet. Add the onions and stir to coat with the oil. Cover and cook over moderate heat, stirring, until the onions are softened, about 5 minutes. Uncover and cook the onions over high heat until golden brown, about 8 minutes longer. If the onions dry out, add a few tablespoons of water. Season the onions with salt and pepper, transfer to a plate and let cool slightly.

Punch down the dough and turn it out onto a lightly floured work surface. Divide the dough into 8 equal pieces. Roll each piece out to a 9-by-3-inch rectangle and arrange on the prepared baking sheets. Top the dough with the Fontina, sautéed onions and prosciutto. Bake for 25 minutes, or until golden and crisp.

In a large bowl, whisk the grapeseed oil, truffle oil and vinegar; season with salt and pepper. Add the apple and arugula and toss. Top the hot pizzas with the salad and serve immediately.


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Yields: 4 Servings
     Food & Wine magazine, December, 2006, page 77

notes:  Recipe by Cliff Crooks and Betty Fraser, Top Chef 2006 contestants

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