This is some of the most fun I’ve ever seen Kenya have making a recipe because he was totally in charge. He literally got to build his meal from the ground up. It’s normally not tough to persuade kids to eat pizza, but letting them make it their own way is a big step towards empowering them. Since all of the steps in making these Mexican Fiesta Pizzas are kid friendly (besides putting them in the oven), Kenya was able to make his the way HE liked it (important for kids who tend to like things their own way). I’m not going to tell you that his final product looked as pretty as the picture above, but Kenya ate every last bite and enjoyed every minute of the process. To me, a kid can’t have a better experience than that in the kitchen.

Mexican Pizza (Serves 4)

1 Lb Pizza Dough (whole wheat, white or Weelicious whole wheat dough)
1/2 Cup Salsa, I used chunky mild
1 Cup Mexican Cheese Blend (Mozzarella, Cheddar and Monterey Jack, grated

Toppings before baking: sliced black olives, scallions, black beans, sliced tomatoes

Toppings after pizza cooks: sour cream, lettuce

1. Preheat oven to 450 degrees.
2. If using prepared dough, leave the dough on the counter until at room temperature.
3. Cut the dough into four equal pieces and using your hands, shape into individual pizza circles.
4. Place on a parchment or Silpat-lined baking sheet and cover each pizza with salsa, cheese and desired toppings.
5. Bake for 15 minutes.
6. Serve.

Just whisper the word “pizza” in our house and Kenya will look up from whatever he’s doing with unbridled excitement in his eyes. Luckily, my 2 1/2 year old isn’t picky about how or what his pizza is made with or on, so whether it’s a weelicious portobello pizza or a slice from our local pizza joint with tons of veggies on top, he’s game for anything.

Pita pizzas are the perfect recipe when you want something healthy to serve your kids, quick for you to prepare and not expensive for your budget. I can cook them up in minutes and everyone in our house feels like they’re getting a special meal. And now that Kenya’s getting ready to head off to school for the first time, I guarantee these will be in the lunch box rotation!

Pita Pizzas (Serves 4)

1 Cup Tomato Sauce
1/2 Tsp Garlic Powder
1/2 Tsp Italian Herbs
1/2 Tsp Salt
1 Cup Mozzarella Cheese, grated
4 Whole Wheat Pita (I used mini pita from Trader Joes)
1/3 Cup Black Olives, sliced

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
2. Place the first 4 ingredients in a bowl to combine.
3. Cover the pitas with 1/4 cup sauce, 1/4 cup cheese and slices of black olives.
4. Place on a foil lined cookie sheet and bake for 10 minutes or until cheese is melted.
5. Cut and serve.

We used these to make this recipe:

Oxo Good Grips Box Grater