Mini Spinach Calzones

I was surprised at how good this recipe was. This makes a great snack or appetizer.

5 ounces frozen chopped spinach, thawed and drained well
4 ounces reduced fat cream cheese
2 tbs green onion, finely chopped
1 tbs grated Parmesan cheese
10 ounce package pizza dough
1 tbs milk
water
pepper, to taste
Spaghetti or marinara sauce, for dipping

Prep time: 30 mins :: Baking time: 8 mins :: Standing Time: 5 mins

To make filling:
In a medium mixing bowl stir together the spinach, cream cheese, green onion, Parmesan cheese and pepper. Set aside.

Unroll pizza dough. On a lightly floured surface, roll dough into a 15-inch square. Using a knife, cut into 25 three inch squares.

Spoon 1 rounded tsp of filling onto each dough square. Brush edges of each square with water. Lift a corner of each square and stretch over the filling to the opposite corner, making a triangle. Press edges of dough well with a fork to seal.

Line a baking sheet with foil; lightly grease the foil. Arrange the calzones on the baking sheet. Prick tops of calzones with a fork. Brush milk over the calzones.

Bake at 425 degrees for 8 - 10 minutes or until golden. Let stand for 5 minutes before serving. Serve with sauce. Makes 25 mini-calzones.

Nutrition Facts: 38 calories, 2 g fat, 1 g sat. fat, 4 mg cholesterol, 63 mg sodium, 5 g carbs, 1 g protein

Chilied Peanuts & Pumpkin Seeds

Halloween is over, time to make use of all those pumpkins!

2 Cups unsalted roasted peanuts
2 tbsp fresh lime juice
2 tsp chili powder (ancho, guajillo, arbol, etc)
1 tsp salt
1 cup hulled pumpkin seeds

1. Toss peanuts with lime juice until all are moistened. Sprinkle with chili powder; toss until nuts are evenly coated. Spread nuts in shallow layer on baking sheet; bake at 250 degrees until chili powder forms a light crust on the nuts, 20-30 minutes. Remove from oven; sprinkle generously with salt.

2. In large skillet over medium heat, toast pumpkin seeds. When one pops, stir constantly until all have popped from flat to round, about 5 minutes. Toss with peanuts, then transfer to a serving bowl.

Makes 3 cups.