Hawaiian BBQ "Chicken" Pizza

I'm a huge fan of a good BBQ-style pizza!  Unfortunately, my vegan ways don't allow me to partake in the majority of the toppings that would typically come on one...bacon, chicken, cheese...I'm sure you know what I mean!  Usually I end up ordering a BBQ pizza without cheese, with a bunch of veggies, but as we all know...it's just not quite the same!  Sometimes you just get a longing for the chewy-ness of chicken, or the crispy crunch of bacon...and THAT'S exactly where this pizza comes in!  (Not to mention, it's still loaded with veggies, and way healthier!!)  I don't eat "fake meat" on a regular basis, because I don't think that they themselves tend to be all that healthy...HOWEVER, I can fully appreciate the makers of "fake meat" because they have done a stand up job replicating real meat...and it is extremely helpful when trying to cook for someone who prefers something more than just veggies (my husband)!

The Crust:  (Did I mention it's gluten free?? Added bonus!)

Preheat the oven to 375

Follow the instructions on a bag of Pamela's brand Gluten Free Bread mix (for the pizza crust)

-Note:  I did not follow these exactly...I didn't beat it in a kitchen aid mixer, I did it by hand...I didn't let it rest for an hr either...I simply spread it (it was REALLY sticky) into a jelly roll pan and baked it for 20 mins, added the toppings, and baked for another 10-15 mins.  Just so you know.  You can certainly follow the instructions exactly...I just didn't feel like fussing with it!

You'll need: (and just remember, if there are items here that you don't like, just skip them...likewise, if there are other things you think would be awesome on your pizza, add it!)

1 package of Lightlife brand Smart Tenders
1 package of Lightlife brand Bacon
3 c. bbq sauce (if ever I don't make my own, I use the Organicville brand, because they don't use high fructose corn syrup or sugar...PLUS it tastes AMAZING)...you'll probably need 2 jars.
1 zucchini
1 large white onion
1 package of baby bella mushrooms
fresh pineapple (it really COULD be substituted for canned tidbits...but the flavor doesn't even compare)
fresh spinach
cherub tomatoes
jalepenos

-Here's what you do:  (You do this while your crust is baking)

-Thinly slice the onion, and saute in a little extra virgin olive oil on medium high for about 10-15 minutes.  Lightly season with a sprinkle of sea salt, pepper, and garlic powder.

-Add:

1/2 c. bbq sauce
mushrooms
zucchini
cubed or sliced up "chicken"

-Saute to incorporate flavors...about 5-7 minutes...you want your zucchini to still have a little texture...not mushy!

-While that is sauteing, cut your pineapple into "tidbits" and chop your tomatoes. 

-Take 4 strips (or more if you want) of the "bacon" and chop into bits.  In a small saute pan with a splash of oil, saute until crispy.

-When your crust comes out, spread with a generous layer of bbq sauce (around 2-2 1/2 c.  depending on how much you like sauce!)

-Layer:

Plenty of fresh spinach
Then the sauteed "chicken" mixture
Pineapple
Bacon
Jalepeno

-Bake for another 10-15 minutes, and when it comes out, top with fresh tomatoes!

-You're not going to get any complaints with this one!  It's a completely satisfying meal, loaded with veggies!  You don't even miss that there isn't any cheese with all of the flavors going on!  (But just in case you really feel the need for cheese...the Follow Your Heart vegan mozzarella is very good, and it actually melts!  It only comes in a block, so you'll have to do your own shredding, but it's pretty darn good!)