Lack of New Posts

Please forgive the lack of new posts. We've been dealing with the loss of our Grandpa this past week. I hope to be back to posting more yummy recipes next week.

Calzones

Once you make these you'll never want to eat another Hot Pocket. Trust me! I got this dough recipe from a good friend, (thanks SS!) It has just the right amount of herbs and makes a great bread to wrap up whatever yummy ingredients you have on hand. The recipe makes between 6 to 8 meal-sized calzones or you can make them smaller, (like a Hot Pocket, ) and freeze them.

CALZONES

3 c. flour
2 1/2 t. yeast
1 T. sugar
1/2 t. oregano
1/2 t. basil
1 t. salt
1 T. olive oil
1 c. warm water
1 egg white, beaten (for brushing on top of the calzones)
kosher salt or toasted sesame seeds (for sprinkling on top)
pizza sauce or ranch dressing

FILLING COMBINATIONS

Pepperoni, mozzarella, pizza sauce
Ham, Swiss, tomatoes, green onions, ranch dressing
Salami, Swiss or mozzarella, pizza sauce
Hamburger, cheddar, onions, pizza sauce
Chicken, mozzarella, artichokes, ranch dressing

1. Add 2 c. flour, oregano, basil, salt, yeast, and sugar to a large mixing bowl.
2. Add warm water and olive oil.
3. Combine well and then add remaining flour a half cup at a time. It usually takes around 3 - 3 1/4 cups of flour. The dough should be smooth and elastic. Knead for 5 minutes.
4. Let dough rest for 30 minutes.
5. Separate into 6 - 8 balls of dough.
   
6. Roll each piece of dough into a circle. Spread sauce on the whole circle leaving a 1/2-inch bare (so you can seal it.) Add fillings on half of the dough. Just a note, add more cheese than you think you need. When it is melted you'll wish you had more.
   
7. Fold the dough over to create a half circle shape.
   
8. Pinch edges tightly so cheese doesn't leak out. If you need to, lightly wet the edges of the dough so it sticks better and then press with a fork.
   
9. Spray a large cookie sheet with cooking spray and then sprinkle it with corn meal.
   
10. Brush the calzone tops with a beaten egg white and sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds, or kosher salt (if desired.)
11. Let rise for 30 minutes.
12. Bake at 400 degrees for 15 - 20 minutes until lightly browned.
    

Orange Knots

I love orange knots! They are sweet, gooey, and full of flavor. This recipe is from Rhodes (you know, the frozen dough.) You can use thawed Rhodes rolls or, if you want them to be really yummy, use the Lion House roll recipe. I use the Lion House recipe and make half (15) for Orange Knots and the other half to make dinner rolls. Good luck and enjoy!

ORANGE KNOTS

12-15 dinner rolls (If frozen, thawed but still cold.)
1 orange-Grate the rind and squeeze the juice
1/2 c. sugar
1/4 c. butter, melted

GLAZE

1 c. powdered sugar
1 T. butter, melted
3 T. orange juice
1/2 t. vanilla extract

1. Mix the grated orange rind with the sugar.
2. Roll each roll into a 9-inch rope. Tie it in a loose knot.
3. Roll each knot in melted butter, then in the sugar/rind mixture.
4. Place on a large sprayed cookie sheet. Cover with sprayed plastic wrap and let double in size.
5. Remove wrap and bake at 350 degree for 15-17 minutes.
6. Remove and brush with citrus glaze while still warm.