There are words and phrases I shy away from. “Tell me what you want,” is a phrase. Some of the words include “knocked” and “little.” You see, I’m the kind of person whose mind makes the quick leap from word or phrase to song lyric. Ask me what I want and just those couple of lines from the Spice Girls are in my head for days.
Mention something getting knocked down and that bizarre song by Chumbawamba, Tubthumping, which has the phrase, “I get knocked down, but I get up again,” plays over and over in my mind. I don’t know the rest of the lyrics in the chorus so my brain has supplied the rest and it goes, “na, na, nana, nana, na, na, na.” How’s that for pathetic.
When “little” crosses my path, enter Talking Heads. Yup. “Little pee pee, little toes.” I can’t help it. I’m not especially fond of any of those three songs but when they get in there, they just will not go away. At all.
So thank you to Taste of Home for putting Talking Heads in my brain while I was putting these Little Mexican Pizzas together. I’m so grateful.
The Process
This is so easy that you really don’t need any more than five minutes to throw it together.
Split English muffins. I found that using just the bottom works best since it’s concave and the ingredients won’t try to slide off. Spread on some refried beans and salsa. Sprinkle with a few sliced olives, green onions, chopped green chilies and top it off with shredded Mozzarella. Broil.
Even with that short an instruction list, a word of caution. The directions say to broil the pizzas 4-6 inches from the heat for 2-3 minutes. Don’t do that. I had mine 6 inches away and it took 42 seconds for the cheese to melt and start turning golden. I timed it. In three minutes, you’d have black hockey pucks.
The Verdict
I don’t think there’s anyone that would argue against something with refried beans, salsa, veggies and cheese on it, especially if you like those things. It was yummy and filling. This makes a great, quick lunch and would definitely give those blasted Lunchables that Dudette thinks she would love (thanks Cartoon Network; I owe you one) a run for their money.
What I’d Do Different Next Time
I’d remember the green onions, for starters. I might also use taco sauce instead of salsa since I have the green chilies going. Maybe some sliced green pepper? Pico de gallo? Options are wide open here.
Little Mexican Pizzas - print this recipe
1 package (13 ounces) whole wheat English muffins, split
3/4 cup fat-free refried beans
3/4 cup salsa
1/3 cup sliced ripe olives
2 green onions, chopped
2 tablespoons canned chopped green chilies
1-1/2 cups (6 ounces) shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese
Spread cut sides of muffins with refried beans; top with salsa, olives, onions, chilies and cheese.
Place on baking sheets; broil 4-6 in. from the heat for 2-3 minutes or until cheese is melted.
Even with my best girdle on, I can't fit much more than my big toe in this tiny space, so please hit the ''read more' link if you'd like to get the skinny on me and the whole Taking On Magazines thing. 
