Lil' Chef: Healthy summer lunches

Susan Caldwell, founder of Lil' Chef studios in North Hills, and her teams of young chefs bring us fun, healthy recipes especially for the summertime. This week, we take a look at a great lunch that children ages 8 to 11 can have fun making themselves.

Next week, look for a healthy dinner for teenagers, or check out the healthy snacks that our 4- to 7-year-olds made last week.

It's summertime ... the perfect time to eat a "rainbow of colors!" I love this super simple homemade pizza dough recipe. Load it up with tons of fresh veggies and lose the pepperoni for a super healthy, super easy meal that your Lil' Chef will have a blast helping create with you!

Spending time with your child in the kitchen teaches him or her so much – kitchen science, healthy eating and math skills. And of course, they get to spend time with you planning that next trip to the pool or family vacation! Enjoy!

Homemade Vegetable Pizza

Ingredients

• 1 envelope of dry yeast
• 1/4 teaspoon of sugar
• 3/4 cup of lukewarm water
• 1 3/4 cups of unbleached plain flour
• 1/2 teaspoon of salt
• 1 green pepper
• 1 onion
• Sliced mushrooms
• Fresh basil

Directions

1. Combine 1 envelope of dry yeast, 1/4 teaspoon of sugar and 3/4 cups of lukewarm water. Mix a little and let sit for 6-8 minutes.
2. Combine 1 3/4 cups of unbleached plain flour with 1/2 teaspoon of salt in a bowl or food processor.
3. Pour the water combination into the bowl (or food processor) and mix until ready to knead (around 30 second in a food processor). If using a bowl, mix with a spoon until you have a neat ball.
4. Prepare a lightly sprinkled surface with flour. Turn out dough and knead for around 2-3 minutes. Lightly cover your finger tips with flour if the mixture is a little sticky.
5. Roll out by hand for a 12'' base.
6. Place in 12'' lightly oiled oven pan. Press out dough to form a slight lip.
7. Prepare and apply your sauce and toppings of choice.
8. Cook in a pre-heated over (500F) for 8-12 minutes.