Family dinner & a movie night

Every couple weeks or so, our family sits down to watch a (family friendly) movie together while eating dinner...usually with our food nestled precariously on our laps or the floor, sofa, etc. So, the food needs to be some sort of "finger food"...something easily held over our plates while our eyes are on the t.v. More times than not, it ends up being pizza (big surprise, right?). The other day I saw a post over at Spryte's Place...she made English Muffin Pizzas! Yum. I hadn't had these in so long. This is another one of those foods that my mom used to make us when we were kids. I don't know why I hadn't thought about them in all my years of being a parent...because they are so easy and seriously, people...kids love 'em. We've made out own "regular" pizzas...thin crust, oval-shaped crust, pan...we've gotten carry-out, we've had it delivered (you get my drift) and now, thanks to Spryte's unintentional memory jog, we will add English Muffin Pizza to our repertoire! Oh, you can do the same thing on bagels too!

These are quick and easy and made just the way YOU like them, so...gather up some toppings (great way to use up leftovers), preheat your oven, broiler or toaster oven and pop in a movie! We watched Bolt this week (in case you were wondering)...very cute.

English Muffin Pizzas

First step, toast your muffins. This helps keep them from getting soggy...adds crunch! Next, spoon on some pizza, spaghetti or tomato sauce (you choose). Next, add some cheese...the more the better (in this house, at least)! And now for the fun part...everybody chooses their own favorite toppings....personalize them! Kids can do all of these steps themselves (minus the toasting, depending on age).

Next, I put them (on a foil-lined sheet tray) into the oven. This let me do a bunch (12) at once. Seriously, hubby probably could have eaten all 12 by himself...and my oldest maybe half...so I needed some high-volume action, here! Slide them into the oven or under the broiler (or in toaster oven for smaller quantities) until bubbly.

Okay, divide them up and eat them while watching your movie. Mess is minimal.

Thanks again for reminding me of these oldies but goodies, Spryte!