Crossword Genius

Spiced topping p-pioneer p-prepared (9)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

pepperoni

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'spiced topping' is the definition.
I don't know anything about this answer so I can't judge whether this works.

'p-pioneer p-prepared' is the wordplay.
'prepared' is an anagram indicator.
'pioneer'+'p'='pioneerp'
'pioneerp' with letters rearranged gives 'epperoni'.
'p'+'epperoni'='PEPPERONI'

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for pepperoni that I've seen before include "Spicy Italian sausage" , "meat product" , "spicy stuff" , "Seasoned beef/pork sausage" , "spicy food" .)

I've seen this clue in The Sun.
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