Tuna, Cheddar and Spinach Pocket

© 2014 Turner Broadcasting System, Inc. All rights reserved. Although convenient, the sugar, food additives and preservatives found in store-bought frozen snacks may actually make kids hyper. This healthy whole wheat pocket will satisfy hunger and calm down rowdy kids at the same time. Tuna and spinach provide vitamin B12 and magnesium, which reduce nervousness and regulate blood sugar. Bonus: these pockets freeze well, so you can make a big batch and reheat these for an easy snack when school lets out.

• Ready In: 2 hrs 30 mins
• Serves: 8

Ingredients

• Dough

• 1⁄2 teaspoon granulated sugar
• 1 1⁄2 teaspoons active dry yeast
• 1  cup whole wheat flour
• 3⁄4 cup all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
• 2  teaspoons olive oil
• 1⁄4 teaspoon kosher salt

• Filling

• 5  cups  packed  Baby Spinach (one 6-ounce bag)
• 1  cup  shredded low-fat cheddar cheese
• 1  cup  canned light chunk tuna in water, drained (about three-quarters of a 12-ounce can)
• 1⁄2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1  pinch ground black pepper

Directions

1. For the dough: In a large bowl, dissolve the sugar in 3/4 cup very warm water. Sprinkle the yeast over the water and let it sit until bubbling and slightly frothy, 5 to 10 minutes. Add the whole wheat flour, all-purpose flour, olive oil and salt, and mix well by hand. Place the dough in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook, and mix on medium speed until the dough is a tight, shiny ball that no longer sticks to the sides of the mixing bowl, about 6 minutes. Alternatively, transfer the dough ball to a floured surface and knead by hand, about 10 minutes. Cover with a damp towel and place the bowl in a warm place until doubled in size, 1 hour.
2. Divide the dough into 8 pieces and form each into a 2- to 3-inch diameter ball. Place on a clean baking sheet and let the dough rise again for 45 minutes.
3. For the filling: Heat a large nonstick saute pan over medium-high heat. Add the spinach and 1/4 cup water and cook until the spinach is wilted, dark green and reduced in volume to about 1 cup, about 5 minutes. Transfer the spinach to a medium bowl and cool for 3 to 5 minutes. Squeeze out any excess moisture with your hands. Stir in the cheese, tuna, salt and pepper.
4. Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F and move a rack to the middle of the oven.
5. Flour a work surface and roll each ball into a 4- to 5-inch disk. Place 1 heaping tablespoon of filling on half of a circle and fold over to enclose the filling, forming a half moon. Pinch the dough together along the edge so that it is completely sealed, and then place on a baking sheet. Repeat for the remaining dough and filling. Bake until golden brown, 17 to 20 minutes, turning the pan halfway through. Cool 5 minutes before serving.
6. Cook's Notes: This recipe makes about 2 cups of filling.