Calzone

Inventive Italians folded pizza and created calzone–a large main dish turnover. Vary calzones by using your choice of well-drained filling. Place cheese on bottom to seal crust and use filling sparingly. Makes two large calzones.

Crust
Water 1 cup
Olive Oil 2 tablespoons
Salt 1-1/2 teaspoons
All-purpose flour 3 cups
RED STAR® Active Dry Yeast 1 packet (2-1/4 teaspoons)
Filling
Mozzarella cheese, shredded 2 cups (1/2 lb.)
Parmesan cheese 1/4 cup
Black olives, coarsely chopped 1 cup
Green pepper, thinly sliced 1/4 cup
Garlic, minced 2 cloves
Mushrooms, thinly sliced 1 cup
Onion, chopped 1/4 cup
Pizza sauce 1/2 cup

Bread Machine Method

Place room temperature crust ingredients into pan in the order listed. Select DOUGH cycle. At end of cycle, remove the soft dough onto lightly floured surface and continue with the Shaping, Rising and Baking directions below.

Traditional Method

Combine yeast, 1-1/2 cups flour and salt. Heat water and oil to 120º-130ºF. Add liquids to flour mixture; blend on low speed. Beat 2 to 3 minutes on medium speed. By hand stir in enough remaining flour to make a soft dough. Knead on floured surface 5 to 7 minutes or until smooth and elastic. Use additional flour if necessary. Place dough in lightly oiled bowl; turn to grease top. Cover; let rise until dough tests ripe, about 40 minutes.

Shaping and Baking

Turn dough onto lightly floured surface; punch down to remove air bubbles. Divide dough in half; cover. Let dough relax 10 minutes. Shape each half into a smooth ball; roll or pat into 10-inch circles. Place 1 cup mozzarella cheese on half of each circle, leaving a 1-inch border. Add other ingredients in order listed. Fold half of circle over filling to make half-moons. Fold both layers of edges up and press into dough; press again firmly with tines of fork to seal.

Lightly grease, or dust with cornmeal, a heavy-duty baking sheet that will not warp in extreme heat.  Place calzones on sheet; do not let rise.  If desired, brush gently with 1 teaspoon olive oil.  Prick top several times to allow steam to escape.  Bake on middle rack in preheated 400°F oven 20 to 25 minutes or until golden brown. Let rest 5 minutes; slice into wedges.  Serve hot, either plain or topped with seasoned tomato sauce.