Recipe: Vegetable and Pecan Calzones

VEGETABLE AND PECAN CALZONES
Source: Georgia Pecan Commission
Servings: 4

Calzones are bread pockets usually made from pizza dough. Typically they're filled with high-fat ingredients such as pepperoni, sausage and lots of cheese. This healthier version features herbed mixed vegetables and toasted pecans, bound with a slim amount of Parmesan cheese. Though any mixture of frozen vegetables will work in this recipe, we prefer a brand of stir-fry vegetables that includes broccoli, carrot, onion, red pepper, celery, and mushrooms. The pockets are best served with your favorite tomato sauce for dipping.

2 teaspoons olive oil
1/2 cup chopped onion
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1 (16 oz.) bag frozen mixed vegetables
Salt and black pepper
1/2 cup plus 4 teaspoons shredded Parmesan cheese
2/3 cup chopped toasted Georgia pecans
10 oz. tube refrigerated pizza dough

Heat oven to 375 degrees F. Lightly oil a large baking sheet.

In large skillet, heat oil over medium heat; add onion and saute 5 minutes.

Stir in oregano, then mixed vegetables, and salt and pepper to taste. Cook, stirring occasionally, until vegetables have thawed - about 10 minutes.

Stir in 1/2 cup cheese and the pecans.

Remove dough from package and spread to about a 14 1/2 inch square. Divide dough into 4 equal squares.

Transfer 1 square to baking sheet and top with a heaping cupful of vegetable-pecan mixture. Fold over one corner of dough to meet opposite corner; pinch and roll edges together to enclose filling, creating a triangle turnover shape.

Lightly brush top with water, sprinkle with a teaspoon of remaining Parmesan and some black pepper. Make two small slashes in top. Set aside on baking sheet and repeat to make 3 more calzones.

Bake calzones 15 to 20 minutes or until well browned. Cool slightly before serving.