The Kathy Peavy -- Ricotta and Ham Calzone

I love spending a Saturday afternoon at the Mellow Mushroom with my friend Kathy Peavy.  She is one of the smartest nurses I know (CNS in a very busy CCU) and she has great taste in food (MM Stuffed Portabella and calzones) and beer (Stella).  We manage to solve a lot of life's problems over a calzone.  Being a Jersey Girl, she suggested the traditional "New York Calzone" this past Saturday -- Ricotta and Ham.  Oh my.  Really good.  I recreated it for my wonderful MIL who graciously tries everything I make.  Serve with a side of Marinara for dipping.


The Kathy Peavy -- Ricotta and Ham Calzone

1 lb. pizza dough (make your own or buy)
1/2 cup ricotta cheese (I use Low-Fat)
1/2 pound mozzarella, shredded
1/4 cup parmesan, shredded
1/4 onion, finely chopped
1 egg
sea salt and pepper
1/4 lb. ham, thinly sliced and cut into slivers
Extra-virgin olive oil

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.  Cut the dough into 2 pieces (or 4 pieces -- depends on how large you want your calzone).  In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the ricotta, mozzarella, parmesan, onion, and egg; stir until well combined.  Set aside.  Using a lightly floured rolling pin, roll the dough out into 2 rounds (or 4, if you want smaller calzones).  Place 1 dough round on a cookie sheet lined with a Silpat.  Spoon 1/2 of the filling onto the round if making 2 calzones (*spoon only 1/4 of the filling onto the round if making 4 calzones).  Sprinkle 1/2 of the ham over the filling (or 1/4 of the ham if making 4 calzones).  Dab a little olive oil all around the edge of the dough.  Fold the round over itself to make a half-moon shape.  Crimp the dound with your fingers (I used a fork).  Repeat until you have made all the calzones.  Brush the tops of the calzones with olive oil, cut 3 small slits on tops, and sprinkle with a little sea salt.  Bake for 20-25 minutes.  Yields 2 large calzones (cut in half to serve) or 4 smaller calzones -- ultimately 4 people eat well when served hot with Marinara to dip, a side salad, and a Stella!