Sunday, February 12, 2012

Pizza Twists

We love homemade pizzas and this is a delicious
variation!

I found this recipe some years ago and I still use the dough recipe from this to make regular pizzas as well. Sometimes I make 4 twists with half the dough and then freeze the rest of the dough for a regular pizza to be made at a later date.

Pizza Twists

A delicious twisted meat roll! Substitute roasted veggies for a vegetarian version.

Dough:

1 ½ Cups warm water

1 tsp. yeast – I used a rounded tsp.

2 Tbsp. sugar

½ tsp. salt

1/3 Cup olive oil

4 Cups Flour – approx.

In large bowl combine water, yeast, sugar and salt – let sit for 5 minutes. Stir in the oil then a cup of flour at a time – continue adding flour, stirring with heavy spoon (or use Kitchen Aide with dough hook). Knead in more flour as needed to get a smooth elastic dough. Let dough rise in a greased bowl until doubled (approx. 1 hr.). Punch dough down, knead a bit and divide in half. Roll half the dough on floured surface, into a 9 X 12 rectangle. Cut into 4 sections (from the 12 in. side).

Filling (can be varied according to your preferences):

8 oz. Ricotta Cheese – don’t substitute the Ricotta – it’s really good!

6 oz. shredded mozzarella cheese

8 oz. sausage, cooked, crumbled – I don’t always use this but it IS good when you do!

4 oz. sliced pepperoni

I also like to add some chopped onion, chopped green or red pepper and chopped mushrooms to the filling.

Using filling in order listed above – layer on down the center of dough strips – don’t overfill.

Twist half the strip from one end and then the other half from the other end – then push together for a nice twisted roll. This takes a bit of practice but it doesn't have to look pretty! Repeat with other strips, placing them on a parchment lined bake sheet. Repeat with other half of dough – making 8 twisted rolls.

Brush tops of rolls with Olive Oil, sprinkle with coarse salt, Italian herbs, crushed red pepper. Let rolls rise again for 20-30 minutes. Bake at 375 for approx. 20-25 min. till nicely browned. Serve with a favourite dipping sauce (i.e. marinara, pizza, or even ranch). THESE ARE SO WORTH THE EFFORT!!