Rome Italy!

Day One

As we sat in the airport the anticipation grew! I was really going to Italy! My dream since I was a little girl.

The place where my ancestors came from.

We flew to JFK and waited for our one way flight to Rome. I was ready...

I have never flown overseas before. I was excited!

Then they announced there was mechanical difficulties with the plane and we were detained.

3 hours went by before we could board our new plane but that was ok. I knew where I was going!

I flew American...

We boarded the plane, it was bigger than the usual ones I have been in. 

There were movies, music and food to be had.

My thought was that I hope my legs and back don't cramp up sitting here so long....

I watched out the window as the plane went up the coast till the lights were few.

Then no more....

just water...

So sit back with me as I take you on my transatlantic flight to Italy! 

Italian Calzones

With game day just around the corner I thought this recipe would be appropriate. This is a Jersey favorite and if you like Italian food you will love this.

You can make the dough and have Pizza or Calzones.

I made Calzones. It is a very easy recipe.

Pizza Dough
31/4 cups All purose flour
9 ounces tepid water
3/4 teaspoon of active dry yeast
11/2 teaspoon of fine sea salt
2 Tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

Combine all ingredients in the bowl mix low until mixture comes together. Switch to a dough hook and continue mixing 3-4 min until dough forms in a ball. If too dry add a bit of water if too sticky add a bit of flour.

Dump dough onto a floured surface and continue to knead the dough until smooth about 5 min. Form dough into a ball and place in a lightly greased bowl and cove with plastic and let rest 1/2 an hour or so until risen.

Press dough down to deflate and cut in 6 even sections. Roll into balls and place on a floured board cover with a little oil and put a towel over it and let rise 1 hour.

Calzones can be filled with anything you like on your pizza. Pepperoni, ham, sausage and peppers, spinach.

Diced smoked mozzarella
Sliced fresh mozzarella or shredded
fresh ricotta
grated parmesan
any topping-I used ham

Place pizza stone in oven at 425 degrees. Roll dough ball to 8 inch circle. Arrange the filling of your choice down the center leave 1/2 inch border. Fold dough over to meet the other edge. Pinch with fingers to make sure it is sealed or use fork to press together. Cut 2 small vents on top.

Place Calzones on pizza stone. If you don't have a stone place on baking sheet. Bake 8-10 minutes. Remove and sprinkle with parmesan. Add a side of tomato sauce if desired. Serve Immediately.

I had leftover sauce I used for this but a nice Marinara sauce would be just fine. Enjoy!