Don't Wait for Delivery

Save time and money by making these fast, flavor-packed pizzas instead of ordering out.

In the time it takes to get a delivery chain on the phone, you can combine good-for-you ingredients to create a quick and satisfying homemade pizza the entire family will enjoy. I came up with these recipes to meet my own needs for speedy, delicious suppers. However, I invite you to add your family's favorite toppings for a custom-made creation.

GREEK PIZZA

MAKES 4 SERVINGS

PREP: 10 MIN., BAKE: 15 MIN.

Buy pita bread fresh, or keep it in the freezer and microwave to thaw.

4 (8-inch) pita rounds

1 (8-ounce) container regular or garlic-flavored hummus

4 ounces sliced deli ham, cut into strips

1/4 small red onion, sliced

4 pepperoncini peppers, sliced

1 cup grape tomatoes, halved

1 (2 1/4-ounce) can sliced ripe olives, drained

1 (4-ounce) package crumbled feta cheese

SPREAD 1 side of each pita round evenly with hummus; top evenly with deli ham and remaining ingredients.

BAKE at 400[degrees] for 10 to 15 minutes.

NOTE: For testing purposes only, we used Tribe of Two Sheiks Hummus with Roasted Garlic which can be found in the deli department of large supermarkets.

MEATY PIZZA PIE

MAKES 4 SERVINGS

PREP: 10 MIN., BAKE: 30 MIN.,

COOL: 5 MIN.

Use your family's favorite leftover spaghetti meat sauce for this hearty weeknight meal. Serve with a green salad, if desired.

1 (15-ounce) package refrigerated piecrusts

2 cups spaghetti meat sauce

16 pepperoni slices

1 cup (4 ounces) shredded mozzarella cheese

UNFOLD piecrusts; stack piecrusts, and press together. Place piecrust on a parchment-lined baking sheet; spread spaghetti meat sauce evenly over crust, leaving a 1-inch border; top with pepperoni slices. Fold crust edges slightly

Double the Black Bean Salsa, and use one portion to make Southwestern Pizza and use the other as a chip dip.

over filling.

BAKE on lower rack at 425[degrees] for 15 minutes. Sprinkle with cheese, and bake 15 more minutes or until bubbly and golden.

COOL 5 minutes. Cut into wedges.

SOUTHWESTERN PIZZA

MAKES 4 SERVINGS

PREP: 10 MIN., BAKE: 15 MIN.

For bold, smoky flavor, try this with two sliced, grilled chicken breasts.

8 (10-inch) flour tortillas*

1 (8-ounce) package shredded Mexican four-cheese blend

1 cup thick and chunky picante sauce

Black Bean Salsa

2 cups chopped, cooked chicken

Garnishes: sour cream, chopped avocado

TOP 4 flour tortillas evenly with 1 cup cheese; top with remaining flour tortillas. Divide picante sauce, Black Bean Salsa, chicken, and remaining 1 cup cheese over flour tortillas. Bake at 400[degrees] for 15 minutes, or until cheese is bubbly. Garnish, if desired.

*2 (11.5-ounce) cans refrigerated corn sticks may be substituted for tortillas. Unroll and press perforations to seal into a lightly greased jellyroll pan to create a rectangular crust. Bake at 375[degrees] on lower oven rack 10 minutes. Add toppings, and bake 15 more minutes. Makes 8 pieces.

Black Bean Salsa:

MAKES 3 CUPS

PREP: 10 MIN.

1 (15-ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained

1/2 cup frozen corn, thawed

2 plum tomatoes, seeded and chopped

1 green onion, chopped

2 tablespoons fresh lime juice

1 tablespoon fresh cilantro

1 garlic clove, pressed

1/2 teaspoon Creole seasoning

STIR together all ingredients. Cover and chill until ready to serve.

Copyright Southern Progress Corporation Jun 2003
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