Pizza is boring...let's make CALZONES!

This is actually a few recipes in one. You can use jarred marinara, but I always make my own. You can also buy pre-made Italian sausage, but this way is cheaper & you control the garlic, spice and flavor. It's really more of a method than a recipe. I've used spinach, garlic & mushrooms as filling & it's fantastic. Try different things...the kids and adults will all have fun making their own little packets!

Sauce Ingredients
1 can tomato sauce
2 cloves garlic minced
1/2 sweet onion & 1/2 red pepper...pureed in the food processor
1 tsp olive oil
1 tsp basil
1 tsp oregano
a small squirt of honey
salt & red pepper flakes

Get a small saucepan warm and add the garlic, then the onion & pepper puree. Season with salt & pepper flakes. Add the basil & oregano....then the tomato sauce.  Add the dash of honey and combine well. Simmer for 5 minutes & it's done.

Italian Sausage Ingredients
1 roll of breakfast sausage...plain or spicy
1 tbsp fennel seeds - ground up with a mortar & pestal so the seeds become powder. This makes it really taste Italian.
1 tsp oregano
1 tsp basil
2 cloves minced garlic

Combine all ingredients and brown in a skillet. Drain on paper towels.

This is me saying "It smells AMAZING" with my eyes.

Ricotta Ingredients
1 15oz container of ricotta
about 1 cup of mozzarella, shredded
1/4 cup of grated parmesan or other sharp Italian cheese (I had Grana Padano, so I used that)
salt/pepper

Just combine them. Done!

 CALZONE TIME!

Calzone basics:

Any prepared pizza dough - Trader Joe's makes a great one and they have it in regular, garlic herb & whole wheat!

Any fillings you like & come up with

1 beaten egg

Roll out your dough to about 1/4-1/2" thick. Cut into sections (I used the kind from the biscuit section of the store, so it was already thin & in a rectangle.)  This dough made 4 medium sized calzones.  There will be plenty of filling so if your family is bigger, just buy some extra dough.

Fill each section (not TOO full) with your fillings. I layered in the mozzarella/ricotta mixture, Italian sausage, julienned turkey pepperoni & a little extra mozzarella.

Now fold one side over and pinch/twist the dough all the way around...making sure it's completely sealed up.

Do this with the rest.

Now beat your egg and brush a little of it on each calzone. This ensures a brown, shiny and crispy crust.

Take a knife & slit a small opening on the top of each one, so they don't explode everywhere.

Bake at 400 degrees for about 15-20 minutes. They will be golden brown when done.

Top with your sauce (or serve it on the side, if you want to eat them like little sandwiches)

I am excited. I was very hungry.