Monday, March 28, 2011

Miniature Smiley Face Pizzas

This morning I shared a fun idea for making customized, healthful pizzas on Good Day Columbus, an idea generated by cooking in the classroom of my older son. Using whole wheat English Muffins, your own children can get creative while helping make their own pizza.

Pizza is not generally one of the first things you consider when you hear "healthy eating," but through some simple changes, pizza can become more healthful. First, replace the white dough with whole wheat, which adds fiber and nutrition.

Next, you can either make some Sweet Pea Pizza Sauce, which is chuck full of loads of vegetables, or simply use a jarred Marinara Sauce. Both will give the pizza a foundation full of vegetables, and by using an English Muffin, you can really pour on a good amount of sauce.

For toppings, replacing the heavy amount of full-fat cheese with a more modest sprinkle of skim mozzarella decreases fat and calories without sacrificing flavor. On top of the cheese, choose vegetable and lean protein options to allow kids to create smiley face, or alien, monster or other creative faces.


Once you've topped your pizzas, pop them under an oven broiler or toaster oven for 5 minutes, or until the cheese fully melts. It's fun. It's easy. It's fast. It's healthy. Sounds like a winner to me!

Thanks GDC for inviting me back,
SPC

5 comments:

Anonymous said...

how fun and what a great thing to do together

Jenny Efird Terry said...

I just watched your segment - you did a fabulous job!!!!

Sweet Pea Chef said...

Thanks jenny--I am going to go watch it now...I keep forgetting!!

Anonymous said...

What a fun idea to do with the kids! Love the name of you blog! ;) I think we are living parallel lives...I was born and raised in Columbus but moved about 5 years ago to Indy for my husbands job. I miss Columbus...such a fun and great place to live...and of course we have the Buckeyes! :)

Anonymous said...

Getting your kids and other family members involve din food preparation makes the meal extra special. All the pizza Perth I enjoyed with my family is made memorable not just by the taste, but also the time spent together.