The Williams family began a weekly cooking challenge during the pandemic while their children lived in different cities. A prompt of marmalade led to the creation of this unique pizza featuring fig, bacon and asparagus.

3 tablespoons olive oil
1 large red or yellow onion, sliced
1/2 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
1 teaspoon sugar
2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar, divided use
1/8 cup (1/4 stick) butter
2 tablespoons flour
1 clove garlic, minced
3/4 cup milk
Salt and pepper, to taste
3 tablespoons fig jam or marmalade
1 package unbaked pizza dough
7 slices bacon, cooked crisp and chopped
8 ounces asparagus, cooked and cut into small pieces
6 ounces mozzarella cheese, shredded
2 ounces Parmesan cheese, shredded

1. Preheat oven to 425 degrees.

2. In a sauté pan over medium heat, heat olive oil. Add onions and sprinkle with salt. Sauté 10 minutes, then add sugar and continue to sauté until onions begin to caramelize, about 5–10 minutes. Add a tablespoon or two of water as needed during cooking to keep the onions from drying. Stir in 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar and set the onion topping aside.

3. In a small saucepan, to make sauce, melt butter over medium heat. Add flour and garlic and cook, whisking constantly, for 1 minute. While whisking, slowly pour in milk. Bring to a boil, whisking constantly, for about a minute until thickened, then remove from heat. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

4. In a small bowl, combine fig jam and remaining tablespoon of balsamic vinegar. Heat in microwave 15 seconds and set aside.

5. Roll out pizza dough onto pan and bake 4 minutes. Remove from oven and spread sauce evenly over the top. Layer on toppings and drizzle on warmed balsamic jam. Return pizza to the oven for 7–10 minutes, until crust is golden and cheese is melted.

Serves 4.