Do-It-Yourself Pizza

You can make a flavorful pizza in less time than it takes to call and wait for home delivery.

Designing your own pizza is fun, especially if the children pitch in. And, it can be a healthful choice, as long as it's not over-greasy, says the American Dietetic Association.

Think vegetable instead of pepperoni, flavor instead of fat. Spinach and garlic provide lots of taste, plenty of nutrients and no fat.

The Do-It-Yourself Pizza Recipe

1 10-ounce package prepared pizza dough

1 cup shredded, low-fat mozzarella (6 ounces)

2 cups fresh spinach, coarsely chopped

1 cup canned plum tomatoes, drained and sliced

2 cloves garlic, crushed

Optional: a sprinkle or two of thyme or oregano

Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Spread the dough in prepared pan. Sprinkle the cheese over the dough. Layer the spinach over the cheese and arrange tomato pieces on top. Scatter garlic bits evenly. Bake at 425 degrees for approximately 15 to 20 minutes in a 10-inch round pan or 10 to 15 minutes in a 10- by 15-inch rectangular pan.

Note: Greasing pan with a teaspoon of olive oil adds a little taste but also 40 more calories -- all fat. Consider a light spray of oil and a sprinkle of cornmeal to add crispness to your crust.

Provides eight slices. Each contains approximately 170 calories, 8 grams of protein, 24 grams of carbohydrates, 5 grams of fat.

SOURCE: U.S. Department of Agriculture