Spooky Calzone Snake

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-up, etc). It was a hit with the kids! Serve with spaghetti sauce for dipping.

• Preparation Time: 30 mins
• Cooking Time: 35 mins
• Total Time: 1 hr 5 mins
• Calories: 217 Calories

Ingredients

• 1 egg
• 1 (.25 ounce) package active dry yeast
• 1 tablespoon water
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1 teaspoon white sugar
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 cup warm water (110 degrees F/45 degrees C)
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
• 3 cups all-purpose flour, divided
• ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese, or to taste
• 1 ½ teaspoons kosher salt
• 1 (4 ounce) package sliced pepperoni
• ½ cup sliced black olives (Optional)
• ½ green bell pepper, cut into strips (Optional)
• ½ cup sliced fresh mushrooms (Optional)

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 2

Dissolve the sugar in the warm water in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted 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.

Step 3

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 degrees F (27 to 35 degrees C)) until doubled in volume, about 1 hour.

Step 4

Combine the ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses, pepperoni, parsley, Italian seasoning, olives, green pepper, and mushrooms in a large bowl, and set aside.

Step 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 strip, 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 of water, and brush the egg wash over the calzone.

Step 6

Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes, until the calzone is golden brown. Let cool for 5 minutes before cutting into individual slices.