Italian Calzones

Ingredients

• 2 (.25 ounce) packages active dry yeast
• 2 cups warm water
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 teaspoons white sugar
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 5 cups all-purpose flour, divided
• 2 teaspoons olive oil
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 3 cups shredded Cheddar cheese
• 1 cup diced pepperoni
• 1 cup sliced fresh mushrooms
• 2 tablespoons dried basil leaves
• 2 egg, beaten

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  Directions

• 1. To Make Dough: In a small bowl, dissolve yeast in water. Add the oil, sugar and salt; mix in 1 cup of the flour until smooth. Gradually stir in the rest of the flour, until dough is smooth and workable. Knead dough on a lightly floured surface for about 5 minutes, or until it is elastic. Lay dough in a bowl containing 1 teaspoon olive oil, then flip the dough, cover and let rise for 40 minutes, or until almost doubled.
  2. To Make Filling: While dough is rising, combine the ricotta cheese, Cheddar cheese, pepperoni, mushrooms and basil leaves in a large bowl. Mix well, cover bowl and refrigerate to chill.
  3. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
  4. When dough is ready, punch it down and separate it into 2 equal parts. Roll parts out into thin circles on a lightly floured surface. Fill each circle with 1/2 of the cheese/meat filling and fold over, securing edges by folding in and pressing with a fork. Brush the top of each calzone with egg and place on a lightly greased cookie sheet.
  5. Bake at 375 degrees F (190 degrees C) for 30 minutes. Serve hot.Brother HL-2270DW Laser Printer