English Muffin Pizzas

Cooking Cadenza doesn't just include those "fancy pants" recipes that take forever for you to make and cook. So while this dish is once again a very simple meal, sometimes all it takes is a simple reminder to mix up your usual routine with something a little different. So here's one of my favorite (easy-to-make) lunches... Enjoy! 

ENGLISH MUFFIN PIZZAS

Servings: 1

Nutritional Information:

WW Points Plus: 3+ for (Light Multigrain) English Muffin, 1+ for sauce, 2+ for cheese = 6+ total

Ingredients:

• Light multigrain English muffin
• About 1/4 cup Contadina pizza squeeze (or other sauce)
• 1/3 cup WW Mexican or Italian cheese blend

Directions:

I think these are fairly self-explanatory, but just in case there was any confusion:

1. Cut English muffin in half and coat each side with pizza sauce.
2. Cover sauce with cheese/additional toppings and zap in the microwave for about 30-45 seconds (or until cheese begins to melt).
3. Enjoy!

Cauliflower Crust Pizza

Ask any kid their favorite food and they will more than likely respond with "pizza." This recipe is exactly that... except with a grown-up and slightly "healthier" spin on it. Instead of your typical crust, this pizza is made with (you guessed it) cauliflower! I don't know what was better, the smell of the spices in the oven or the look of a real pizza. Basically, it turned out much better than I originally anticipated and I was pleasantly surprised. I don't know exactly what musical term to use here, but in cooking they call it a success. Enjoy!

CAULIFLOWER CRUST PIZZA

Servings: depends on size of cauliflower/thickness of crust, but I would assume 1 serving

Nutritional Information:

WW Points Plus (cauliflower counted): 6+ for crust only, 9+ for whole pizza
WW Points Plus (cauliflower not counted): 4+ for crust only, 7+ for whole pizza

Ingredients:

• Medium cauliflower (about 4 cups)
• 1 large egg
• 1/3 cup Weight Watchers Italian cheese
• 1 TBSP Italian seasoning
• Optional:
• Salt or pepper
• Toppings:
• 1/4 c Tomato sauce
• 1/3 c shredded cheese
• Sliced tomato
• Mushroom
• Black olives
• Onion
• You name it!

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 375° F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Remove the leaves and hard center core of the cauliflower, cutting it into florets. Wash cauliflower and then place chunks of raw cauliflower florets into a food processor until it becomes like rice.
3. Remove any excess water in the cauliflower by placing it between paper towels or a thin dishtowel and pressing/rolling/squeezing out as much water as possible (many people will emphasize that you want a nice, dry pizza crust).
4. In a large-sized bowl, combine the cauliflower, egg, spices, and cheese. Don't be afraid to use your hands to do this, you're going to have to move it onto the pan anyways. (Also, don't worry if it doesn't seem like it is "dough-like" enough, it will in fact hold together).
5. Spread the cauliflower crust into an even thickness (about 1/3"), making the edges higher for a crust effect.
6. Bake until the crust is firm/turns golden brown (about 20-25 min).
7. Remove the pan from the oven and top the cooked crust with sauce, cheese, and toppings of your choice.
8. Let cook for another 7-10 minutes, or until the cheese is hot/bubbly.
9. Enjoy!