Whole Wheat Spinach & Cheese Calzones

The rise process is about 2 hours, but after that, prepare yourself for some awesome calzone action.

Ingredients:

Dough:

• 3 cups whole wheat flour
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon active dry yeast
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 3/4 cups water

Filling:

• 2 cups ricotta cheese
• 2 cups mozzarella
• 8 ounces spinach

Top:

• 1 large egg

Directions:

1. In a large bowl, pour in 1 3/4 cups hot water.
2. Stir in the granulated sugar until dissolved.
3. Sprinkle over the yeast and wait for 10 minutes.
4. Pour in the olive oil and add the salt.
5. Add the whole wheat flour and all-purpose flour.
6. Mix until ingredients are combined and dough forms.
7. Sprinkle flour over the rolling surface and knead the dough for 10 minutes.
8. Place the dough into a large bowl that has been coated with olive oil.
9. Evenly coat the dough with oil.
10. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap tightly.
11. Place the bowl in a warm place for 1 hour, like the oven. Do not turn on oven.
12. Remove the plastic wrap and place dough on lightly floured surface.
13. Punch down the dough to release the air pockets.
14. Divide dough into 2 pieces and form into a tight ball, return to bowl.
15. Cover with plastic wrap and return to its’ warm place for 1 hour.
16. Remove bowl from oven and preheat the oven to 425°F.
17. Roll out dough to a 10 inch circle on lightly floured surface.
18. Place the mozzarella, ricotta, and spinach on one side of the dough.
19. Fold over the other half and press down edge to create a seal.
20. Fold the dough over your finger to create a braided look.
21. Beat the egg in a small bowl.
22. Create a slit at the top to allow steam to escape.
23. Brush egg over calzone for a golden brown color.
24. Bake at 425°F for 25 minutes.
25. Serve with sauce and enjoy!

bon appetit