Uncomplicated Calzones

 Some days I just feel like eating one of those strombolis from Sbarro in the mall, but I then realize it's a Tuesday and there ain't no way I'm getting to the mall until at least Friday evening...but who ever said I have to eat out anyway?!




That's why God invented food processors and ovens and let us have them IN OUR OWN HOMES!!!

Don't be fooled! It's easy to make calzones at home. They are scrumptious; here is the recipe.

 Ingredients for dough:

-1 tbsp. dry active yeast (NOT quick-rise or instant)
-1 tsp. sugar
-1 cup of hot tap water (105-110F)
-1 tsp. salt
-3 cups of all purpose flour (not packed, measured by spooning the flour in loosely)


Ingredients for filling:
-1 cup (approx.) ricotta cheese
-1 cup shredded mozzarella
-1 tsp. fresh minced garlic
-1 tsp. mixed dry herbs (like basil and oregano)
-1/2 tsp. salt
-other toppings (pepperoni, sausage, vegetables...)

-Tomato sauce/pizza sauce for dipping



First, make your cheese mixture. Combine all of the above ingredients in a bowl, except for the toppings. Set aside.



To make the dough, combine the sugar and yeast in small bowl. Pour over 1 cup of hot tap water. Let this sit for about 3-5 minutes, until frothy. 

Pour your flour and salt into the food processor. Pulse a few times to mix. Next, with the food processor on, slowly pour in the yeast mixture. Use it all up and let it keep blending until it forms a single ball of dough. Remove the blob, form it into a ball and place it in a bowl. drizzle over about 1 tsp. of olive oil and fully coat the ball of dough, and cover it with a plate and place it in a warm oven (150-200F) or warmer drawer.

Let the dough rise for about 30 minutes to an hour in this really warm place. Take it out and punch it down, and pull off 1/2 of it. Roll it out on a lightly floured board. Also, put a pizza stone/upside down cookie sheet into the oven and preheat it to 425F.




 Add on about 1/3 of your cheese mixture and some toppings.



Crimp the edges together tightly and make 3 slices in the top with a knife--just like you would for a pie.






Paint some olive oil onto the preheated pizza stone or an upside down cookie sheet. Slide on the calzone. Brush it with olive oil,  and bake it for 20-25 minutes on 425F. Slice, and serve with sauce.


 I made one big one and one small one :P