Calzones

When we lived in rexburg we would have themed dinners with some of our very best friends. Darick and i hosted a patriotic breakfast with crepes, strawberries, blueberries, and whip cream. We had Chinese food, and watched mulan, but one of my all time favorites was when we had calzones. It really was a moment in time. (we played that song while learning about the history of calzones) seriously, these food experiences are one of a kind.
so here is my awesome recipe for calzones, they are great for kids because they can stuff them with whatever toppings they like, and they are really fun to make.

Toppings-
Pepperoni (i chop it up smaller)
Ham
Sausage
Green peppers
Olives
Onion
Mushrooms
Pineapple
Bacon
Chicken
Tomatoes
Mozzarella cheese
Red sauce
White sauce
(i just use pre-made, its easy)

Bread recipe (i use this recipe for cinnamon rolls, dinner rolls, bread sticks, orange rolls.... on and on)
2 tbs. yeast
1/2 cup warm water
3 tbs. sugar
*Combine in a small bowl and set aside
2 HOT cups water (you can also use scalded milk)
1 tbs. salt
1/2 cup oil (i use veggie or corn)
6-8 cups flour
*In a large bowl pour HOT water, salt and oil. Add two cups of flour. stir. when the yeast mixture has grown add it to the large bowl. mix together. add one cup of flour until you can knead, knead for 5-10 mins, cover and let sit for one hour to rise.
(if using for rolls, form dough into balls and let rise again.... the same goes for loaves)

Buttery Topping-
Several tbs butter melted
Garlic powder
onion salt
Italian seasoning

Calzones-
Take the bread dough and pull off a handful (less than a softball, but more than a baseball)
with a rolling pin stretch dough to 1/4 of an inch thickness. spread sauce on half, place cheese, toppings and more cheese fold dough over the top, and seal (roll edged into each other) it will look like a half circle. bake at 375 until golden brown (15-20 min) brush on buttery topping. cool and enjoy!

*as a side note for shaina, this also makes a great freezer meal, just make the calzone and then freeze it on the pan instead of baking, once frozen place in a baggie for later! can be individual or family:)