Learn to make a Calzone

Making Calzones is fun for the whole family. Everyone will enjoy working in the kitchen together creating their favorite flavors.

Prepare the dough ahead of time, and have the kids favorite toppings prepared and ready to go. They will have a blast putting on the cheese and sauce, and adding their favorite toppings to their personal calzone. Show them how to fold the dough, seal the dough, and place it on the pan before it goes into the oven.

Calzones are basically a folded over pizza. A regular pizza dough works just fine for making Calzones, try different flavors for an added twist. There is something about cutting into the crisp, golden crust to reveal the melted, steamy, luscious center that makes them a different eating experience.

If you can make a pizza, you can quickly learn the art of making a calzone. We have included some general tips, instructions, and have videos to help you learn. Have fun...

General Tips:

• The tendency is to overload on fillings, less is more.
• Simple combinations work best.
• Calzones take longer to cook than pizza and require a lower temperature in order to crisp the crust and to penetrate the filling. They generally take 15 to 20 minutes to bake at 400 degrees.
• Smaller is better. Make calzones that are 6 to 12 inches long.

How to make a Calzone

1. Prepare your favorite pizza dough. Having the dough pre-made will give the kids an opportunity to work in the kitchen

and not test their attention span, or your patience.

2. Roll out 6 to 8 ounces into a round 1/4 inch thick dough. Be careful not to tear the dough, this will allow steam to escape and prevent proper cooking.

3. Place approximately 1/4 cup of mozzarella on the lower half of the circle.

4. Place 1/2 cup of sauce on the cheese. Be careful not to get sauce on the dough, doing so will result in a soggy crust.

5. Place approximately 3/4 cup of filling on top of the cheese.

6. For extra richness add 1/2 cup ricotta cheese.

7. Add salt and pepper to taste, and sprinkle with a little bit of parmesan cheese.

8. Fold the top of the calzone crust over the bottom into a half-moon shape.

Seal the edges by crimping them with a fork, or pinching together with your fingers. Be sure to press firmly enough to seal the edges and keep the fillings from leaking.

9. Just before baking, brush the crust with an egg white wash or olive oil. An egg white wash will give the calzones a satiny finish. Olive oil will make the crust browner and crisper. If you brush with olive oil before baking, brush the crust again with olive oil immediately after coming from the oven. The second brushing will add sheen and flavor to the crust.

10. You can also sprinkle on some of your favorite Italian dried herbs to give a nice appearance and added flavor.

11. Place the Calzones on a pan or baking stone. Bake at 400 degrees for 15 to 20 minutes, until the crust is a nice golden brown

12. Use caution when cutting open the Calzones, hot steam can burn your hands.

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