When my children were young, they always asked for pizza, so I decided that we would start making our own. Ours were not only healthier pizzas, but also more economical. This also gave us an opportunity to “cook” together, providing us with another fun family activity.
Here are some of my suggestions: Start with a whole grain English muffin, tortilla, or rice cake. Top with pizza or spaghetti sauce (the spaghetti sauce is actually lower in price). This is also a great way to use leftover spaghetti sauce, meats, and vegetables. Top the crust with ham, chicken, ground meat, or just go meatless. Add some broccoli, spinach, mushrooms, black olives, green peppers, and/or pineapple. Top with a low fat cheese, such as cheddar or mozzarella. You are now ready to bake your pizza.
Let the children get involved in making their own pizzas, under your supervision, if needed. Now sit down together and enjoy a very delicious lunch or snack. If you are not sure how to make your own mini pizzas, follow the recipe below:
Quick Pizza
Makes 2 servings
Ingredients:
2 slices whole-wheat bread or English muffin, halved
½ cup low-sodium spaghetti sauce
½ cup pineapple tidbits in own juice, drained
½ cup lean diced ham
¼ cup reduced fat mozzarella cheese, shredded
Directions:
1. Toast bread or English muffin until very lightly brown
2. Preheat oven to 350 degrees
3. Place toasted bread or English muffin on a baking sheet
4. Spread ½ of the spaghetti sauce onto each of the slices
5. Place ½ of the pineapple tidbits and ½ of the diced ham on top
6. Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of cheese on each slice
7. Bake at 350 degrees for 4 to 6 minutes or until cheese melts
-Judy