Spooky Calzone Snake

Submitted by ElizabethKnicely

"I came up with this idea for Halloween. I baked it in an S shape after combining an egg yolk with food coloring (I made several colors with several yolks) and painted to make a colorful striped snake. I used various food items to make a tongue, nostrils, and eyes (Olives, peppercorns, fruit roll-ups, etc.). It was a hit with the kids! Serve with spaghetti sauce for dipping."

 

• Ready In: 1hr 35mins
• Ingredients: 18
• Yields: 1 calzone
• Serves: 14

ingredients

• Dough

• 1 teaspoon white sugar
• 1 cup warm water (110Â F/45Â C)
• 1 (1/4 ounce) package active dry yeast
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 1⁄2 teaspoons kosher salt
• 3 cups all-purpose flour, divided

• Filling

• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1⁄4 cup grated parmesan cheese (to taste)
• 1 (4 ounce) package sliced pepperoni
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
• 1⁄2 teaspoon italian seasoning
• 1⁄2 cup sliced black olives (optional)
• 1⁄2 green bell pepper, cut into strips (optional)
• 1⁄2 cup sliced fresh mushrooms (optional)
• 1 egg
• 1 tablespoon water
• food coloring

directions

1. Dissolve the sugar in the warm water in the bowl of a stand mixer fitter with a dough hook. Sprinkle the yeast over the water, and let stand for 5 minutes until the yeast softens and begins to form a creamy foam. Stir in the oil, salt, and 2 cups of flour, and mix on LOW until the mixture forms a wet dough. With the machine running add 1 cup of flour, 1/4 cup at a time, and knead until the dough pulls away from the sides of the bowl into a ball. Knead for 3 to 5 more minutes, until the dough is smooth and elastic.
2. Lightly oil a large bowl, then place the dough in the bowl and turn to coat with oil. Cover with a light cloth and let rise in a warm place (80 to 95°F (27 to 35°C)) until doubled in volume, about 1 hour.
3. Combine the ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses, pepperoni, parsley, Italian seasoning, olives, green peppers, and mushrooms in a large bowl, and set aside.
4. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
5. Punch down the dough, and roll it out into a long, flat strip about 9 inches wide by 30 inches long. Spoon the filling mixture down the center of the dough strips, leaving about 1 inch on all sides for sealing. Pull edges of the dough together; pinch to seal and form a long, filled roll. Place the roll, seam side down, onto the parchment paper in a snakey "S" shape, and tuck the ends underneath to seal. Beat the egg in a bowl with 1 tablespoon water, and brush the egg wash over the calzone.
6. Bake in preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes, until the calzone is golden brown. Let cool for 5 minutes before cutting into individual slices.

Reviews

[Bonnie G #2]

Actually quite easy and fun for a Halloween Dinner, The filling was more than needed for the calzone, but tasted great. My dough turned out a little tough but that could be because I over handled it. All in all a fun and tasty treat that everyone enjoyed