I cook on occasions. Very rare occasions. Maybe my family was trying to drop me a hint on Christmas when I received three cookbooks. 

My excuse has always been that I don’t want to spend an abundance of money on ingredients I will only use once. 

It always seems like a recipe is enough for a family, and although I admit I can eat a lot, I usually have tons of leftovers that eventually go old in the fridge.

That’s when I came across the “Hungry Girl” cookbook by Lisa Lillien I was given for Christmas. 

Her recipes are just enough for one serving, and she uses healthy (“guilt-free” as she calls them) ingredients.

One of my favorite foods is pizza, but I usually feel extremely guilty after hitting up Wheat State or Pizza Hut, until I found her recipe for Perfect Pepperoni Pizza. 

It’s so easy anyone can make it. In fact, my mom asked if I was looking at my kid cookbooks again. 

Nothing beats saving extra calories and money on something that tastes just as good as the greasy stuff as well as saving valuable time.

The recipe includes light English muffins as the crust (saves tons of calories compared to the original) and turkey pepperoni as one of the toppings. 

Of course tomato sauce and cheese (low-fat mozzarella) are a must, but you don’t necessarily have to follow the exact recipe. 

If you’re not into turkey pepperoni, you can substitute turkey sausage or add pineapples and turkey bacon. The topping options are endless. 

Not only do these mini pizzas satisfy your pizza craving, but they can be fun for movie nights or parties. 

Just set out bowls with all the different toppings, and let your friends graze through and add what they want to top their pie. 

After adding all their toppings, pop them in the oven on 350 degrees for 15 minutes, and out comes a hot, delicious personal-size pizza for less calories. 

The “Hungry Girl” cookbook has more recipes for the more advanced cook, but all require healthy ingredients. 

To find more go to hungrygirl.com. Not only will you find delicious, healthy recipes, but also great tips on how to save extra calories when going out to eat or eating on the run.

Perfect Pepperoni Pizza

Ingredients

1 light English Muffin<br/>• 2 tbsp. canned tomato sauce, season to taste with salt, pepper and spices• 2 tbsp. canned tomato sauce, season to taste with salt, pepper and spices
• 2 tbsp. canned tomato sauce, season to taste with salt, pepper and spices

• 8 slices Hormel turkey pepperoni<br/>•1 oz. shredded fat free mozzarella cheese•1 oz. shredded fat free mozzarella cheese
•1 oz. shredded fat free mozzarella cheese

Instuctions

Split English muffin, spread sauce on each half. Top with cheese. Place pepperoni on top (cut pepperoni into small pieces and it will seem like more). Bake at 350 degrees for 12-14 minutes.