A Year-Round Guide to Franklin and Nantahala

Yield: 1 (10-inch) pizza. 1 (16.5-ounce) package refrigerated sugar cookie dough, sliced 1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened ¼ cup granulated sugar 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 cup sliced strawberries

Rosemary and Goat Cheese Strata

Yield: 1 (10-inch) pizza. 1 (16.5-ounce) package refrigerated sugar cookie dough, sliced 1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened ¼ cup granulated sugar 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 cup sliced strawberries

Yield: 1 (10-inch) pizza.

1 (16.5-ounce) package refrigerated sugar cookie dough, sliced
1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened
¼ cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup sliced strawberries
1 cup blueberries
1 cup raspberries
2 kiwis, peeled and sliced
¼ cup peach or apricot preserves
1 tablespoon water

Heat oven to 375°. Line a 10-inch pizza pan with parchment paper and prep paper with cooking spray.

Arrange cookie dough slices in single layer on pizza pan; press together to form crust. Bake for 12 to 14 minutes; remove from oven. Slide crust onto a cooling rack and allow to cool completely.

Using an electric mixer on medium speed, blend cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla until light and fluffy. Spread cream cheese mixture over crust. In a small bowl, whisk preserves and water; spread over cream cheese. Top with fruit. Slice and serve immediately.

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This story was published on Aug 12, 2025

Lynn Wells

Lynn Wells gained a fond respect and interest in cooking from her mother and Aunt Addie at the age of 8 in North Carolina. During college, Wells worked in a wide range of restaurants, from fine dining to family- owned. After graduating from UNC Greensboro with a degree in nutrition management and hospitality, Wells began a 21-year career in the nutrition department at Cone Health. In 2014, Wells started Thyme Well Spent Personal Chef Service, an in-home cooking experience for private clients, which continues today. Wells is also a food writer, food stylist, culinary consultant, and the recipe developer/writer for Our State.