Asparagus, tomato and red pepper French bread pizza

French bread serves as the base and vegetables top this tasty pizza.

For a crispier pizza, bake on a pizza stone — a heavy, round plate that simulates the brick bottoms of some commercial pizza ovens. For best results, put the pizza stone on the lowest oven shelf.

Ingredients (Serves 4)

1 cup diced asparagus
1 cup diced Roma tomatoes
1 cup diced red bell pepper
1 tablespoon minced garlic
1 loaf French bread, about 8 inches long, sliced in half and cut into 4-inch sections
1 cup pizza sauce
1 cup reduced-fat shredded mozzarella cheese

Directions

Heat the oven to 400 F. Lightly coat a baking sheet with cooking spray.

In a small bowl, add the asparagus, tomatoes and pepper. Add the garlic and toss gently to coat evenly. Arrange the French bread on the baking sheet. Add 1/4 cup of the pizza sauce and 1/4 of the vegetable mixture to each section. Sprinkle each with 1/4 cup mozzarella cheese.

Bake until the cheese is lightly browned and the vegetables are tender, about 8 to 10 minutes. Serve immediately.