Sweeney Todd Pizzas di Carnevale

Inspired by both the Carnevale season and the movie Sweeney Todd, I had visions of meat pies dancing (and I think a few were singing) in my head. The one I came up with is a traditional calzone with layers and layers of savory flavors.

Sweeney Todd Pizzas di Carnevale Recipe

1 ball of pizza dough (recipe for a super easy, quick dough below) [enough for a 12" pizza]

1/2 cup sun dried tomato pesto (recipe below)
1 head of garlic, roasted, peeled and mashed
1/4 cup basil,
1/2 pound Bratwurst, casings removed and cooked
4 ounces fresh buffalo mozzarella cheese, shredded with fingers

1 cup spicy tomato sauce (recipe below)

for garnish:
2 Tbsp freshly grated parmigiano-reggiano cheese
1 Tbsp chopped green onions
1 red bell pepper, seeded, roasted, peeled and sliced into strips

Preheat oven to 500 F

Stretch or roll dough into a 12" circle.

Spread tomato pesto over half the dough. Top with roasted garlic, whole basil leaves, sausage and finally the mozarella.

Fold the dough over and seal edges.

Place on a parchment lined baking sheet or pizza stone and bake for 18-20 minutes until it's dark golden brown.

To serve:
Pour sauce in the center of a serving plate. Cut pie in half and place atop sauce on plate. Garnish with cheese and onions. Bon Appetito!

Sun Dried Tomato Pesto Recipe
2-3 ounces sun dried tomatoes, soaked in a bit of warm water for 20 minutes
1 Tbsp fresh Italian parsley
2 Tbsp fresh basil
1 Tbsp pine nuts, lightly toasted
1 Tbsp pistachios, shelled
1 clove garlic
1 tsp orange juice
pinch of salt
1 Tbsp freshly grated parmigiano-reggiano cheese
2 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil

Place all ingredients in a blender or food processor and blend until smooth

Quick n' Spicy Tomato Sauce Recipe
1 medium onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp crushed red pepper
1 14 oz can whole, peeled tomatoes, strained and crushed by hand (stems and cores removed), juice reserved
2 tsp fresh thyme leaves (no stems)
2 tsp fresh oregano, chopped
1 Tbsp fresh Italian parsley, chopped

Pour reserved tomato juice in a medium saucepan and bring to a simmer. Add onions, garlic and crushed pepper. Continue to simmer for several minutes until most of the water has evaporated. Add tomatoes and warm through, mashing with a wooden spoon . Stir in herbs and reduce heat to low. Reduce to desired consistency.

Super Easy Quick pizza Dough (no yeast) Recipe
2.5 cups unbleached flour
2.5 tsp baking powder
1 tsp salt
1 Tbsp olive oil
3/4-1 cup water

Combine flour and baking powder in a large mixing bowl. Add olive oil and 3/4 cup water. Mix to combine. Knead until smooth (2-3 minutes).