Kids Kooking Korner - Alex’s Pita Pizzas

I've been cooking for about 40 years, since I was 10. I am fortunate to have a mom who was very passionate about the meals she prepared for the family and I've become inspired by her mouth-watering dishes. I've always included my girls in the kitchen and boy, can they whip up dinner, if needed!

Now speaking of boys... I feel like they are not taught enough about the importance of cooking for themselves. Women are cooking less and less in the home now due to working or just not having a passion for it on a daily basis, and that’s ok! Let’s teach our kids to cook and have a few less meals to prepare! I've also noticed how measuring ingredients has helped my son Alex understand some basic math, such as what 120 ml or a half a cup of something looks like, or 450 grams equals a pound of butter. I still use and find the imperial system easier for myself, but we are a metric country so I do encourage you to show both measurements when teaching. He also enjoys the “pinch” of salt or pepper which is about 2 ml. I recommend starting with simple dishes with six or less ingredients. Last month’s spaghetti tacos were four ingredients and I think you'll find this week’s recipe for Pita Pizza easy, light, delicious and kid friendly!

Alex’s Pita Pizzas

Preheat oven to 400°F.

-          1 or 2 pitas per person

-          Canned or squeeze pizza sauce

-          Favourite toppings (pepperoni, ham, black olives, tomatoes, black beans, bagged real bacon, mushrooms, cheese etc.)

-          Grated or pre shredded mozzarella or marble cheese

Your child should be able to do most of this on their own. Lay out your pitas and scoop or squeeze pizza sauce on them and use a spoon to spread the sauce evenly. Next, place your favourite topping on the pita. For a fun twist, make smiley faces for the younger ones out of pepperoni or pineapple slices. You can use a green pepper for the smile! Finally, sprinkle grated cheese all over the top. (Hint: if the child is grating cheese, cut a piece off the cheese block in the amount you will use and use a sandwich bag to hold the cheese while grating, this will help in preventing grating the fingers). Place pita pizzas on a pan for softer crust or right on the rack for a crisper version. Note: The crisper version should be placed by a parent unless your child is comfortable placing pizzas in the oven with oven mitts. Leave oven door 1/4 open and watch the pitas brown. It should take about 10 to 12 min. Do not walk away, as ovens vary in temperatures and can burn foods quickly. Remove from oven, place one pita on breadboard and cut into 4 pieces as this is easier to eat, place on plate and repeat with the others. Family, friends and guests are sure to love this custom-made pizza!