Fruit-flavored pizzas are topped with raisins, apples, cheese

Fruit-flavored pizzas are easy to make and offer a tasty variation on traditional snacking options. Mini pizzas are appealing for children to handle, to munch while playing -- and even to help prepare.

So these raisin-apple mini pizzas should be a success with youngsters. The raisins add natural sweetness and a chewy texture to compliment the ingredients. In this recipe that means crisp apples and nutritious cheese.

According to the USDA, one-quarter cup of raisins equals a single serving of fruit.

Raisin-Apple Mini Pizzas

(Preparation 5 minutes, baking time 10 minutes)

2 mini baked pizza crusts

3 tablespoons apricot spreadable fruit or preserves

1/2 cup finely chopped fresh apple

1/2 cup raisins

1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese

Heat toaster oven or conventional oven to 375 F. Place pizza crusts on small metal tray for toaster oven, or baking pan for conventional oven. Spread with spreadable fruit. Sprinkle with apples, raisins and cheese. Bake at 375 F for 10 minutes or until thoroughly heated and cheese is melted.

Makes 4 servings of 1/2 pizza each (2 mini pizzas).

ON THE NET

More information and recipes available at www.calraisins.org