Fruit, Ham and French Bread Pizza

Sometimes you want all the flavors of a pizza, but don't want to put forth the effort to craft your own, and sometimes, you're too lazy to even call for delivery. This ridiculously simple recipe solves all your problems. It's toasty, cheesy, saucy...but it's all on small baguettes instead of being pizza-shaped. Everything comes together very quickly and can be on the table in less than half an hour. It's also versatile - feel free to swap in the cheese(s) and vegetables of your choice. Allow one slab per person, and if serving a crowd, slice into modest portions. Since this is so easy, it can easily be multiplied to suit your needs - just make sure you've got the oven space and a couple of helpers with you to get these together quickly, as it can be slightly time consuming if just one is making these.

Fruit, Ham and French Bread Pizza

2 small baguettes

1¼ cups pizza sauce (preferably one with herbs in it)

½ lb. lean sliced cooked ham

4 canned pineapple rings, drained and chopped

½ a small green bell pepper, seeded and cut into thin strips

2 oz. reduced fat aged Cheddar cheese (I used mozzarella)

Kosher salt

Freshly ground black pepper

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Cut the baguettes in half lengthwise and toast the cut sides until crisp and golden.

Spread the pizza sauce over the toasted baguettes. Cut the ham into strips and lay on the baguettes with the pineapple and green pepper. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

Grate the cheese and sprinkle on top.

Bake for 15 - 20 minutes, until crisp and golden.

Serves 4

NOTE:  You can substitute lean cooked chicken, cooked peeled shrimp, or flaked tuna in place of the ham.