Friday, February 24, 2017

Real Italian Calzones

1 (.25 ounce) package active dry yeast 
1 cup warm water 
1 tablespoon olive oil 
1 teaspoon white sugar 
1 teaspoon salt 
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, divided
1 teaspoon olive oil
1/2 cup ricotta cheese 
1 1/2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese 
1/2 cup diced pepperoni 
1/2 cup sliced fresh mushrooms 
1 tablespoon dried basil leaves 
1 egg, beaten 

To Make Dough: In a small bowl, dissolve yeast in water. Add the oil, sugar and salt; mix in 1 cup of the flour until smooth. Gradually stir in the rest of the flour, until dough is smooth and workable. Knead dough on a lightly floured surface for about 5 minutes, or until it is elastic. Lay dough in a bowl containing 1 teaspoon olive oil, then flip the dough, cover and let rise for 40 minutes, or until almost doubled. 

To Make Filling: While dough is rising, combine the ricotta cheese, Cheddar cheese, pepperoni, mushrooms and basil leaves in a large bowl. Mix well, cover bowl and refrigerate to chill.

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).

When dough is ready, punch it down and separate it into 2 equal parts. Roll parts out into thin circles on a lightly floured surface. Fill each circle with 1/2 of the cheese/meat filling and fold over, securing edges by folding in and pressing with a fork. Brush the top of each calzone with egg and place on a lightly greased cookie sheet. 

Bake at 375 degrees F (190 degrees C) for 30 minutes. Serve hot.

Originally from here.