Wholemeal roasted vegetable pizza

They say that by allowing children to hlp out with cooking and preparing meals, it encourages them to try out and eat new things as they themselves have had a hand in making them. Well, in my experience, this is not always strictly true. Jasmine proves the theory, but Ben is another matter altogether. He doesn't like either cheese or tomatoes so pizza was a rather adventurous choice of meal as without cheese or tomato all you have is bread and dry topping! I decided to persevere nonetheless, and we made healthy wholemeal pizza's with a selection of roasted vegetables on top. Both the children immensly enjoyed creating the pizzas - we made funny faces and patterns - but when it camt to the crunch he couldn't do it. Whilst Jasmine gobbled up her creations, Ben sat and cried into his :-( Ah well, he should grow out of it at some stage - his dad certainly did. Nick's mum told me that as a child he would scrape all the topping off pizzas and just eat the bread. At least Ben will eat the vegetables (if he can't see any sauce or cheese on them that is!)

Anyway, if you fancy trying this out on your offspring, then here's the recipes. The dough freezes pretty well, so you can save some to make another day.

for the base
700g (1 1/2lb) strong wholemeal bread flour
1 rounded tsp salt
1 tbsp sugar
50g (2 oz) butter
3 tbsp olive oil plus extra for brushing
350 - 400ml tepid water

for the toppings: (we used a selection of the following)
passata (or if you have time you could make your own tomato sauce)
low fat mozzarella, grated
spinach
roasted red, green and yellow peppers
roasted broccoli
roasted red onions
roasted courgettes

NB, for the roasted veg, simply slice, drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with a little salt, fresh ground pepper and dried oregano

Method:

1.Combine flour, salt, and sugar in a large bowl. Rub in the butter, add the yeast and mix togeher. make a well in the centre of the dry ingredients, add the oil and most, but not all, of the water, and mix to a loose dough. Add more water or flour if needed.
2. Put the dough on a lightly floured surface and cover with a teatowel. Leave for 5 mins.
3. Knead the dough for 10 mins until smooth and and springy, then let it relax again for a few minutes.
4. Shape the dough into approx 12 balls and lightly brush with olive oil. Put the balls in the fridge for 5 mins as it will be easier to roll.
5. Roll each one out flat, turning the dough after each roll, then top as desired.

I put all of the toppings into separate little bowls and let the kids have fun decorating them.

ta daaa!