Most of us try to stretch our food dollars, and one great way to do that is by not wasting any meat left over from a big meal. This recipe for Calzones with Chicken Mushroom Filling is a tasty way to make use of a cup of leftover, chopped chicken breast. The calzones are baked, not fried, so it’s a great recipe if you’re cutting back on fried foods for healthier eating.
Served with a salad, a drink and a few red grapes, you’ve got a quick, nutritious and delicious meal.
CALZONES
1 package regular active dry yeast
1 cup warm water (105 to 115 degrees)
1 tablespoon sugar
2 teaspoons olive oil
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 egg white, slightly beaten to brush on top before baking
CHICKEN MUSHROOM FILLING
1 cup cut-up cooked skinless chicken breast
1 cup (4 ounces) chopped mushrooms
10 thin slices of small pepperoni, chopped
3/4 cup (3 ounces) shredded mozzarella cheese
1/3 cup pizza sauce
2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
1 small onion, chopped (1/4 cup)
1/8 teaspoon garlic salt
Dissolve yeast in warm water in a large bowl. Stir in sugar, oil, salt and flour. Beat until smooth and dough is easy to handle. If still sticky, add just enough sprinkles of flour to work dough.
Turn dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead 3 to 5 minutes or until smooth and elastic.
Cover ball of dough with the bowl turned upside down over it and let rest 5-10 minutes. Heat oven to 375 degrees.
In the meantime, combine all ingredients for the Chicken Mushroom Filling. Then, divide dough into 6 equal parts. Roll or pat into a 7-inch circle on lightly floured surface, turning dough over occasionally to coat with flour.
Spray large cookie sheet with nonstick cooking spray. Place each circle of dough on cookie sheet. Place about 1/3 cup filling on half of each circle and spread to within 1-inch of edge. Fold dough over filling; press edges with a floured fork to seal.
Brush calzone with the egg white. Cut several slits in top surface of dough to vent steam.
Bake 20-25 minutes or until golden brown. Serve warm. Makes 6 calzones.
Brotherton offers website readers one stellar recipe a week in the “My Leader Yummy” feature. Looking for a recipe you can’t find? Email me at kbrotherton42@gmail.com and I’ll see if I have it.
