Individual Pizzas

Here is a recipe for a happy child - a snack that they can make to their own specifications, without the "icky" stuff that they would rather not eat! The tortillas make the perfect easy crust, and kids can have their choice of suggested "fixin's." There's also a home-made pizza dough recipe at the end for those of us who are pizza purists :)

Individual Pizzas

Courtesy of 123RF

 Ingredients

• Small flour tortilla OR hand-made pizza crust (recipe to follow)
• Pizza sauce (your favorite)
• Sliced mushrooms, peppers (various colors), olives or other favorite veggies
• Pineapple tidbits
• Chopped ham or pepperoni
• Grated cheese(s)

How To Construct a Pizza

1. Place the tortilla on a paper plate
2. Allow children to spread pizza sauce on the pizza and cover with their favorite ingredients
3. Remove pizzas from the paper plate and place onto a baking sheet
4. Put the oven on "broil" and place the baking sheet on the second from bottom rack
5. Remove the pizza once the cheese is bubbly and the tortilla slightly browns around the edges
6. Allow to cool slightly, then slice and children can enjoy their creations!

Home-Made Pizza Crust

Some folks like the recipe on the Bisquick package, while others like to use a food processor. I prefer a regular, hand-prepared yeast crust.

Ingredients

• 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast (1 pkg)
• 3/4 c warm water 
• 1 tsp sugar
• 2 tbsp oil (preferably olive oil)
• 1tbsp honey
• 1 tsp (sea) salt
• 2 c all-purpose flour

Directions

1. Stir sugar into warm water and sprinkle dry yeast over the top. Let sit for 10 minutes
2. Combine flour and salt in a medium bowl. Make a well in the middle and add the honey and oil. 
3. When the yeast is ready (foamy and all dissolved), add that to the well and mix together with a wooden spoon.
4. Turn onto a floured surface and gently knead the dough until totally smooth and elastic
5. Place in a greased bowl and cover with a damp cloth in a warm place, allowing to rise for about 45 minutes
6. Punch down dough and divide into 2 separate balls (for 2 large pizzas) or 6 small balls for individual pizzas
7. Roll each ball until thin with a rolling pin and place on a baking sheet. Crimp up the edges to hold the sauce and toppings. Prick each crust all over with a fork.
8. Top with sauce and favorite toppings 
9. Bake at 450 degrees for approximately 12-18 minutes (until crust is golden and the cheese is melted)