Colossal Calzone!

The first recipe!  After eating dinner at Big Lou's Pizzeria this weekend, we decided to tackle making a calzone at home.  We have made pizza many times, often with great success.  A calzone is more or less just a pizza folded in half without the sauce in essence so how hard could it be?  The answer is: not hard at all.  Anyone exercising a little patience and proper technique can make a calzone at home.  Following is a list of ingredients and basic technique for making what I call a Genoa Calzone:


You will need:

• 1 batch prepared pizza dough.  (Follow instructions on yeast packet or store bought works fine)
• 2 cups four cheese Italian blend shredded cheese
• 1/2 cup part-skim or whole milk ricotta
• 1 green pepper, cut into strips
• 1 medium yellow onion, cut into strips
• 1/3 to 1/2 lb. sliced Genoa Salami
• Extra virgin olive oil (for brushing)

Preheat oven to 425ºF.  After bringing to room temperature and allowing to rise if necessary, roll out dough onto a floured pizza stone or baking sheet until approximately 12" in diameter.  Blend 1 cup of the mozzarella with the ricotta and spread on half of the rolled out dough ensuring to leave 1/2"exposed dough along the edge.  Layer on 1/2 of the sliced peppers and onions and then top with 1/2 cup shredded cheese.  Make another layer (or two depending on the thickness of the slices) of sliced salami.  Complete another layer with the remaining peppers and onions and top with remaining shredded cheese.  Carefully fold over the other half of the dough over the layered ingredients so the edges meet.  Be sure not to tear the dough in the process.  Crimp the edges and roll them together while tucking under slightly.  Slice 3 vents into the top (see picture) to allow steam to escape and ensure crispiness of the crust.  Brush the top with a light coating of olive oil.  Bake at 425ºF for 20 minutes or until crust is golden-brown.  Allow to stand for 2-3 minutes before slicing.  Serve with warmed homemade marinara(preferred) or jarred pizza sauce.  Enjoy!