In My Back Pocket

Does it seem like as time goes on, your family is busier and busier? Each member going this way and that, only meeting in the hallway? Well, for our family, as Alex gets older, and is involved in more activities, I know this "mad dash" at dinner time is only going to get more hectic. For now, I'm luckier than a lot of moms I know. Tuesdays are Taekwon Do for Alex, Wednesdays are the adult class for Adam, Thursdays are the mix class when they both go and Fridays are optional nights if they want an extra night of training. So yes, 3 maybe 4 nights out of 5 there is someplace else to be, but at least it's the same place, and I only have 2 people to keep track of. I feel for those parents out there who have kids going to multiple activities, all in one night and mom or dad end up spending most of the evening in the car, playing "taxi". I try really hard to come up w/ meals on these nights that 1. are quick enough I can have them on the table by 5pm for Alex to eat before and 2. are easily reheated (and still taste good ) so Adam can eat afterwards. But I'll be honest some weeks the ideas don't flow as easily as others. That's how this recipe came about. I was wondering what the heck to have, and immediately pizza popped into my head. Well, Alex has been eating a lot of pizza lately (thanks Pizza Hut and your Book-It program) and I really wanted something different. Of course, Alex didn't agree w/ me. He thought pizza sounded like a great idea....again. So, we compromised. He got all those flavors he loves, and I got to try my hand at something new, and at least offer it in an interesting way. These were delicious and perfect for a busy night. If your family lives by your day planner, like mine, it's always a good idea to have a great idea in your back pocket too!

Pizza Calzones (Alex's Pizza Pockets)

1 can refrigerated pizza dough

1/2 c. pizza sauce

1 c. mozzarella cheese

1/2 -1 tsp garlic powder

1 tsp dried parsley

1 tsp dried oregano

12 pepperoni slices

1 can sliced mushrooms

1 egg, beaten

Parmesan cheese

Preheat oven to 400. Remove dough and but into 4 portions. Press each portion into a circle. In a small bowl, combine pizza sauce, garlic powder, parsley and oregano. Spoon about 2 TBS sauce onto each dough portion, leaving about an inch around the edge. Top each w/ mozzarella, 3 pieces of pepperoni and a few mushrooms. Fold circle in half creating a crescent shape. Crimp and seal edges w/ a fork. Brush each w/ egg wash and sprinkle w/ Parmesan cheese. Place on an ungreased cookie sheet and bake 25-35 minutes until golden brown. Let cool 10 minutes before serving.

*NOTE* I actually made these in the afternoon, put them on the cookie sheet, covered it and put them in the fridge until it was time to bake them. It didn't effect the cooking time at all, and made it really easy.

Shared on The Country Cook Jan. 20, 2012
Shared on Recipe Lion Jan. 20, 2012 
Shared on Make Ahead Meals Jan. 23, 2012 
Shared on Mandy's Recipe Box Jan. 24, 2012 
Shared on Chef in Training Jan. 24, 2012