English Muffin Pizzas

When Himself leaves town things change around the BRK. Since I am greatly out-numbered, children 3, adults 1, I prepare more “kid-friendly” meals than when Himself is around- although I think he would be happier with more kid-friendly foods. I am often asked how I get my own children to eat and I answer with, “You mean other than screaming and threats?” I try to make sure there is always something on the table that everyone likes. If the meal falls in the so-so category of kid-friendliness, then I am sure to have apple sauce, rice, or noodles on the table.

The other night I made English Muffin Pizzas, always a hit with the children but leaves me wanting more. I chose to introduce two sophisticated ingredients to this usually simpleton meal. Introducing new flavors in a typically favorite meal is a sneaky tactic and most times I do not get caught. When the ingredients are revealed the kids are surprised at liking the new-to-them-ingredients. I chose pancetta and smoked paprika to jazz up this meal without getting the “Oh yuck Mom.” The kids got one of their favorite meals and I got flavor satisfaction and six thumbs-up.

Adult Palate-Kid Approved English Muffin Pizzas
1 jar Pizza Sauce or 1 recipe Kelly’s Pizza Sauce- delicious
6 English muffins, split
12 slices pancetta
1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
smoked paprika
pizza sprinkle like Penzeys Tuscan Sunset, oregano works well too

Place English muffin halves on a cookie sheet and spread with sauce, top with pancetta and cheese then sprinkle with smoked paprika and pizza sprinkle. Bake in 400 degree oven for 10 minutes. Makes 12 pizzas.

Oh another thing that goes on while Himself is away, the mice play. I have a very tenacious mouse that is impossible to catch. Almost. He did get trapped but got away. Now there is a one eyed, broken legged, almost bloodless mouse limping around my home which leads me to sleep with one eye opened trying to spy a mouse on revenge.