Calzones

A calzone is like an inside out pizza with no sauce. This is a fun way to incorporate whole grains and vegetables into the diet for the whole family.

1 1/2 cups all purpose flour
1 1/2 cups whole wheat flour
1/4 cup ground flax meal
1/4 wheat bran
1 tablespoon sugar
1 tablespoon dried yeast
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
other dried herbs or spices to taste
very warm water
olive oil to coat.

1/2 yellow onion minces
1/2 green bell pepper mined
6 white mushrooms sliced thin
1 cup baby spinach leaves roughly chopped
3 cloves of garlic minced
1 bag fully cooked turkey sausage crumbles

1 package turkey peperoni
1 cup part skim ricotta cheese
1 cup Monterey jack cheese

1 beaten egg
pastry brush

Your favorite pizza sauce served hot for dipping

In a small bowl combine the sugar, yeast and a little bit of warm water and let bloom for 5 minutes or until it starts to foam. While the yeast is blooming combine the rest of the dry ingredients in the bowl of your stand mixer with the hook attachment. Once the yeast is bloomed stir this in and slowly add enough water to form a dough ball (about 3/4 of a cup) let this mix on low for 10 minutes. Coat the dough with olive oil and cover with a clean towel placing in a warm place to rise for at least 30 minutes. (the top of the preheated oven will work fine) While the dough is rising place all of your vegetables in a large heavy bottom skillet with a drizzle of olive oil over medium high heat. Let this cook for about 10 minutes then add the sausage. Let this cook for another 10 minutes then remove from the heat and set aside. Once the dough has doubled in size, punch it down and place on a lightly floured surface. Roll the dough to about 1/4 inch thick and lay a cereal bowl on top of the dough upside down and cup around it with your pizza cutter. peel away the remaining dough and set aside. In a medium mixing bowl combine the 2 cheeses with a fork. Place about a tablespoon of cheese in the middle of the discs of dough, place 5 peperoni in the center on top of the cheese and then a tablespoon of the sausage filling. Fold the discs in half and roll the edges to seal. Brush the tops with the beaten egg and cut a small hole to vent. Place these in a 425 degree oven for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown. For more on this recipe or any others please email me at alesia.leach@gmail.com

Roast Chicken Shepherd's Pie

This is a delicious way to use leftovers 

2 cups shredded roast chicken 

1 cup chicken or turkey gravy

2 cups mashed potatoes with green peas

1 cup grated Parmesan cheese 

Mix the chicken and the gravy together and place in a 8x9 baking dish. Spread the potatoes on top and sprinkle on the cheese. Bake in a 375 degree oven for 20-25 minutes or until bubbly and golden brown. For more on this recipe or any others please email me at alesia.leach@gmail.com