Calzones

I am not sure why I have never thought of making calzones before.  I make homemade pizza all the time and it never crossed my mind to even try these.  It turns out, they are really easy and are a fun alternative to pizza.  This is the kind of recipe that you really can add whatever you like to the filling.  We had: genoa salami, sopressata, fresh basil, kalamata and black olives, smoked and whole milk mozzarella cheese.  I made the kids' with pepperoni and cheese because that is all they like.  They actually ate and didn't complain AT ALL, and in my house that is a miracle!  


Calzones:
click here  for printable version


Dough:
1 package active dry yeast
1 cup warm water (110 degrees)
pinch sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil
2 1/2-3 cups flour


Pizza Sauce
**Typically, I make this sauce and freeze it in 1 cup measurements in Ziploc bags.  I just pull out a bag or two when I make pizza.  For the calzones I only used 1 cup for 4 of them.  This sauce makes about 6-8 cups.
3-15 ounce cans tomato sauce

1-6 ounce can tomato paste
1/4 cup olive oil
1 cup chopped onions
1 ounce minced garlic
2 tablespoons fresh parsley
1 1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon oregano
1/2 teaspoon basil
Saute onions and garlic in olive oil.  Add remaining ingredients, simmer 2-3 hours.

Fillings:
Anything you like!
Examples:
pepperoni, sausage, olives, mushrooms, peppers, basil, cheese etc.

Directions:
In a bowl, combine yeast, water and sugar, stir well and let sit for 5 minutes.  
In a stand mixer, combine the salt, olive oil, 2 1/2 cups flour and yeast mixture.  
The dough should be slightly sticky to the touch, if it is too sticky add flour in 1/4 cup measurements until it is the right consistency.  
Using the dough hook attachment, mix dough in stand mixer on low speed for 5 minutes.  
Spray a bowl with non-stick spray, add dough and cover with plastic wrap.  Let sit for 1-2 hours.
Preheat the oven to 475 degrees.
After the dough has risen, divide it into 4 even balls.  Transfer to a lightly floured surface and roll out into 4-8 inch circles.  
Place sauce, filling and cheese in the center of 1 side of the circle, then fold dough over the filling.  
Crimp edges together with your fingers and/or a fork until the edges are sealed.  Cut a small slit in the top of the calzone.  
Cook on a preheated pizza stone or a baking sheet for about 15 minutes, or until lightly browned. 




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