Pizza Pockets

I used to be a Nursing Home Administrator and one of my patients families gave me their authentic Italian family cookbook titled, Mama D's Homestyle Italian Cookbook by Giovanna D'Agostino in 1972.

This recipe is my adaptation of a pizza recipe she gave.

The crust:

2 1/2 t. instant yeast
Warm water
4 C. flour
1 t. kosher salt
1 t. sugar
1/2 C. olive oil

Dissolve the yeast in 1 C. warm water.  (Be certain the water is no more than 115 degrees F.)   Mix the flour, salt, and sugar in a bowl.  Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and pour in the oil.  Add  the yeast mixture and mix thoroughly.   Knead the dough until it is soft and pliable, adding more water or flour to make it smooth.  Continue kneading well until all of the dough leaves the sides of the bowl.

To test, press your fingers into the dough.  When the indentation pops back the dough is ready.  Place the bowl in a warm place and cover.  Let the dough rise until double,  about 1 1/2 to 2 hours.   Make the sauce or use one of your liking.

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.

Punch down the dough and divide into 2 pieces.  Roll out to about 1/8" thickness on a parchment paper or form on a floured surface and slide onto a pizza stone.

Spread half of the circle,  leaving a 1/2" empty edge all around,  with sauce and desired toppings.  I use cooked and seasoned ground beef, pepperoni slices, and mozzarella cheese.   Using a teacup of water and my forefinger I wet the empty edge and fold the empty circle over the toppings.  To seal I twist the edges up and over itself applying enough pressure to seal.  Using a sharp knife point I prick a few holes across the top for steam to escape. 

Bake for 20-30 minutes until golden brown and serve hot with your favorite green salad for a great lunch or supper.  Yield 2 large pizza pockets.

Basic Tomato Sauce:

1-29 Oz. can of plum tomato puree
1 large onion diced
1/4  C. olive oil
2 T. tomato paste
salt, sugar, pepper, oregano, minced garlic, and sweet basil to taste

Saute onion in oil and add the remaining ingredients, simmer for at least 15 minutes.