pumpkin, sausage, and fried sage pizza

It's pumpkin season, y'all!

I'm in love with Fall.
Everything about Fall.
The temperatures.
The colors.
The flavors.
The pumpkins.
But, guess what?
I don't even really like pumpkin.
Shhh, don't tell Fall that.
But, tis this season and I still use it allllll the time...I just dress it up!

So, this week, we'll be doing lots of pumpkin recipes!
Hope you enjoy!

Pumpkin, Sausage, and Fried Sage Pizza
Serves 4.
1 recipe of your favorite pizza dough...store-bought or homemade
1/2 cup pumpkin puree
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
1/8-1/4 pound smoked sausage, any variety you like, diced into half moons
2 tablespoons canola oil
8-10 fresh sage leaves, cleaned and dried well

Begin by preheating your oven and pizza stone to 500*.  The longer, the better!
Roll our your dough and prick with the tines of a fork.
Combine pumpkin puree with all the spices in a small bowl and spread onto the dough with the back of a spoon.
Sprinkle cheese and sausage over the top.
Bake in preheated oven for about 10-14 minutes, until bubbly and golden around the edges.
Meanwhile, heat a couple tablespoons of canola oil in a small saucepan, over medium-high heat.
When the oil starts to shimmer, drop sage leaves in the oil and fry for about 30 seconds until crispy but still green. Remove and drain on a paper towel.
When pizza is ready, garnish with the fried sage leaves and enjoy hot!