Shelly's Recipe

CALZONES

Category: Sandwiches

1 1/2 lb hamburger
1 small finely chopped onion and green pepper
2 garlic clove, minced
1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 tsp Italian seasoning
2 tubes refrigerated pizza crust
Grated parmesan cheese
2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1 (4 oz) can mushroom stems and pieces, drained
1 (2 1.4 oz) can sliced ripe olives, drained

Cook first 4 ingredients in a skillet until the meat is no longer pink; drain and set aside. In a saucepan, bring tomato sauce and seasoning to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer 5 minutes. Stir 1/2 into the meat mixture; keep remaining sauce warm.

Unroll crust onto a floured surface. Roll into a 12 inch square; cut into four squares. Spread cream cheese over each within 1/2 inch of the edges. Top with meat mixture. Sprinkle with remaining ingredients. Fold dough over filling, forming a triangle. Seal the edges. Bake on a baking sheet at 400 for 20-25 minutes or until the crust is golden brown. Serve with the reserved sauce. Makes 4

Variation: Use 4 (8 oz) French bread loaves cut in half lengthwise with the center scooped out (reserve bread for another use) Line the shell with the mozzarella cheese, the meat filling and more cheese on top. Wrap securely in foil. Bake for 6-10 minutes. Cut into smaller sandwiches.

OPTIONAL FILLINGS FOR CALZONES

Hearty Italian Sausage Filling:
1/2 lb Italian sausage
2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
2 tbsp chopped parsley
1/4 tsp garlic powder, basil and oregano
1/2 cup shredded Mozzarella
3/4 cup pizza sauce

Remove sausage from casing. Crumble and cook until no longer pink. Drain well and cool. Toss with remaining ingredients. Set aside until ready to use.

Sausage and Mushroom filling
2 tsp olive oil
1 lb. Italian sausage, crumbled
1-1/2 cups thinly sliced fresh mushrooms
3 cloves garlic, chopped
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese or mixed shredded provolone and mozzarella
5 tbsp pizza sauce
1/2 tsp oregano
1/2 tsp basil
1/2 to 1/4 tsp salt
Pepper to taste
1 egg

Heat olive oil in frying pan. Saute garlic, sausage and mushrooms until sausage is no longer pink. Stir in cheese, pizza sauce and seasonings.

Vegetarian spinach filling:
1 package (10 ozs) frozen, chopped spinach, thawed and drained
1 small red onion, chopped
1/2 tsp oregano
1/2 tsp basil
1/4 tsp garlic powder
1-1/2 cups finely shredded Cheddar cheese
Salt and pepper to taste

Combine well-drained spinach, onions, seasoning and cheese in medium-sized bowl. Set-aside until ready to use.