Mini Toaster Pizzas  A KidStuff Recipe by Stella Juarez
Makes 2 snack-size pizzas

If you are a parent, then you know how much most kids love pizza and after school  snacks.  Since small frozen pizzas can be purchased for about a dollar, I'm sure you've served them plenty of times.  Now, I know we're all busy, but have you ever looked at the ingredient list and nutritional information on the pack of the box?  The very smallest store brand I looked at (6.8 oz) had 510 calories, 62 g carbs, 1050 mg of sodium (44% of an adult's RDA!), and 19 g of fat (30% of an adults RDA).  That's not an afterschool snack - it's a heart attack.

Here's a nice little substitution that takes 75% less time to make and tastes great, too.  Plus, it's so easy to make, many kids can make it by themselves.  It's never too early to learn how to cook a little bit!


Ingredients:

1 100% whole wheat or whole grain English muffin
2 slices part-skim mozzarella cheese
2 Tbsp tomato sauce*

Try these optional toppings:

Diced vegetables or leftover chicken, fresh ground pepper, fresh or dried Italian herbs (rosemary, basil, parsley)

* A large tomato slice or even a squirt of tomato catsup can be used in place of tomato sauce if you won't have a use for the remainder of the opened can or jar of sauce in the next few days.

Directions:
Cut muffin in half and spread 1 tablespoon of sauce across the tops of each half.  Top with one slice of cheese and optional toppings (if any). Toast using the "toast" function of a toaster oven until cheese is melted. 

Note: If you are using a microwave, try toasting the muffin halves in regular toaster before placing the muffins in the microwave to melt the cheese.  The bread may become too moist or even toughen if cooked too long in the microwave.

Nutritional Information for 1 pizza:
Per Serving: Calories- 140 Carbs- 15g Protein- 10g Fat- 5g Fiber- 2g


Stella's Kitchen Tip: Quick Thaw: Small muffins or bread slices thaw quickly in the toaster.  If you catch a good sale price, don't expect to use the whole package right away or simply or have leftovers, just store them in the freezer.  "Pre-toast" the slices once or twice and you'll have a sufficiently thawed piece that isn't soggy at all.


Related Topics:
Freezer Tips
Index of Recipes in the "Stella's Kitchen" Cookbook