Calzone - Tara Style :)

I did pics to accompany the directions which made this long post...extremely long. 

My apologies. 

lol

*If you're not in the mood for a story and just want the recipe, skip the 1st paragraph. ;)

When I was 16, I worked at Papa Murphys for about 8 months. 

Man, that was a fun job. Well, not exactly at first. I was trained by a couple girls that were happy to give me wrong information which got me into trouble, but it all worked out OK in the end (they quit or got fired and I was forgiven). At one point I was the only girl working there with around 6 guys all aged between 16 and 23. It was fun. I was quiet, but not as quiet as I was at school. They nick-named me Giggles. We were NEVER supervised by a manager or anyone of the sort...so sometimes we got a little crazy. Like one night we had a pizza sauce and water fight (after we were closed). We went home soaked...it was awesome. And other times we played Hide and Seek/Tag (also after we were closed). There was a little loft in the ceiling in one of the back rooms that was a fav. hiding spot. (We were professional and responsible during open hours :) .) It was like hanging out with friends with a little flirting mixed in.

Anyways, I learned to make pizza while I was there and one of my favorites was the calzone. mmmmmm!

While I don't have the same recipes they do, I make this calzone based on my favorite one I would make while I worked there. 

After Kenny and I were married I started making this on Fridays for a fun little tradition. I don't do it that often now because it does take a bit of time to make and I can't always do that with 2 little boys. But we LOVE this pizza.

The Recipe:

 Calzone - Tara Style :)

I am even going to show you how to "braid" the crust. :)

First you need to make the pizza dough.

I got this recipe from my mom.
*update...I meant to put this in here before posting. This makes enough dough for 2 Large (full 9x13 pans) or 4 Medium (each big enough for 2)....or you can do whatever size of course!

Put 1/2 cup Shortening and 2 cups milk into microwave-safe bowl and heat in microwave about 4 min (until Shortening is melted and milk scalded).

In a Mixing bowl put 2 eggs and beat well. Then add 2/3 cup sugar and 2 teaspoons salt and mix well.

In a small bowl add 2 tablespoons yeast to 1/2 cup warm water. Stir. Set aside.

Add about 3 cups Flour to egg/sugar mixture and stir well.

Then SLOWLY add milk/shortening while mixing frequently (at first) so you don't scald the eggs. Mix well.

 Add the yeast/water. Mix well.

A little at a time, add the rest of the flour (about 4 cups). Mix until well incorporated.

Plop the dough onto floured surface and knead for a couple minutes.

Split the dough in half ( or fourths). Form into pretty little ball.

Stop to take care of un-happy nakie, baby...

Roll out dough into a large circle about 1/4 inch thick.

Place onto 9x13 inch pan with the top half (or so) hanging off.

Now for the pizza making part.

Spread a nice thick layer of Ricotta cheese onto the dough on the pan. Leave a small "crust."

Add Pepperoni. Put lots and close together! (there IS 2 layers of crust... )

Add sausage. Pre-cooked or raw. I did raw...saves a step.

Add olives.

Sprinkle with mozzarella cheese.

Now to make it a calzone!

Carefully stretch the "top" dough out a little. Just enough for it to fit over the bottom part.

Stretch over to cover the bottom part.

  

Now for the "braid."

 Take the top and bottom dough around the edges and gently pull/stretch it out so you have about an inch all around the edge (except on the folded edge).

 stretching

 more stretching.

Once you've done that start on one edge next to the folded edge and gently stretch and fold small parts of it over your finger of the opposite hand.

 then press down. And grab the "loop" that forms and gently stretch /pull that over your finger again.

 Repeat.

 Repeat.

 Repeat.

 Keep doing that until you reach the other side of the folded edge.

 And Ta da! A braided edge. It does take a bit of practice.

Make some holes in the top for even cooking.

You could cook it now...or top it off. We like it topped off.

 Put a layer of pizza sauce om the top going to the crust.

Add mozzarella cheese.

 And a little cheddar cheese.

Ready to bake!

Bake for about 30 minutes in a 350 degree oven.

Cool slightly....

Then enjoy!!! YUM!!