Kitchen Krafts

When you’re hungry and in a hurry, try one of these after-school pizza snacks.

Pita Pizza Pockets

By Deanna Adamson

2 tablespoons spaghetti sauce

1 slice pita bread, cut in half to make two pockets

shredded mozzarella cheese to taste

1/2 cup chopped ham or pepperoni, divided

Parmesan cheese to taste

1. Spread a tablespoon of spaghetti sauce inside each pita pocket. Add mozzarella cheese, meat, and Parmesan cheese.

2. Place pita pockets on a microwave-safe plate and microwave for 30 seconds or until the cheese melts.

Pizza Dip

8 ounces (227 g) ricotta cheese

1 1/2 cups mozzarella cheese, divided

1/2 cup mayonnaise

1/2 cup spaghetti sauce

Toppings:

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

1/4 cup chopped pepperoni or cooked sausage

1/4 cup chopped green pepper

1/4 cup chopped olives

1. Heat the oven to 350°F (177°C). Mix the ricotta cheese, 1 cup mozzarella cheese, mayonnaise, and spaghetti sauce in a bowl. Pour the mixture into a 9-inch (23-cm) pie plate and bake for 10 minutes.

2. Sprinkle the pizza toppings and the rest of the mozzarella cheese on top of the dip. Heat for an additional 5 minutes or until the dip is heated through. Serve warm with crackers.

Illustration by Brad Teare