Happy Face

1. 1

   Baking time: 20 minutes

2. 2

   Heat oven to 425 degrees. Brush the shells with the olive oil.

3. 3

   Divide the tomato sauce evenly between the 2 pizza shells. Top with the shredded mozzarella and then sprinkle on the grated parmesan cheese.

4. 4

   Gather the basil leaves into a tight bundle and slice into thin ribbons. Arrange the basil ribbons around the outer edge of the top half of each pie to make hair. For the eyes, center a carrot disk inside a pepper ring. Place a mushroom-half nose in the center of each pie. Use half a pepper ring or line up the olives, if desired, to form the mouth.

5. 5

   Place the pizzas on 2 nonstick baking sheets and bake until the cheese is melted and bubbly, about 20 minutes.

6. 6

   How kids can help: Wash mushroom; rinse basil; brush oil on pizza shell; sprinkle on cheeses; arrange vegetables for face.

7. 7

   Chunky Red Sauce

8. 8

   This easy sauce freezes well (in an airtight container), so make an extra batch for future pizza parties or to serve over pasta. Recipe yields 3 cups.

9. 9

   In a large, heavy saucepan, heat 1 Tbs olive oil over medium-low heat. Add 3 cloves peeled and finely chopped garlic and cook, stirring, until it starts to soften, about 1 minute. Add two 28-oz cans diced tomatoes, 1 tsp each salt and sugar, and 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper, and bring to a boil. Cook briskly over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the tomatoes cook down to a thick mass, 25 to 30 minutes. Cool sauce before spreading over pizza. (The sauce can be made up to 3 days ahead and refrigerated, or frozen for 2 to 3 months.)

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.