Friday, January 23, 2009

Where's the Spinach?

I am not a big connoisseur of any type of leafy green vegetable.



Quite honestly, green beans and zucchini are about as far as I am willing to venture into the whole green veggie scene.



While in Kenya one summer, I was often invited into other's homes to share a meal with them. The invitation was always welcome, the meal a bit feared. A traditional meal in Kenya for those without many pennies to pinch often consisted of chipati (like nan or tortillas...quite delicious), ugali (think rice and wall paper paste combined), and stewed greens. Lots and lots of stewed greens.



The minutes before these dinners often found me silently praying that I would be able to swallow the greens and ugali without displaying any outward appearance of repulsion. I knew my hosts most likely would not eat at the dinner, instead wanting all the food to go to their guests. I also knew food would be sparse the next few days for these lovely people, as they had used up their supplies to feed me.



The Lord indeed answers prayers as I was able to eat large mounds of greens on those occasions without having any serious stomach issues.



Here at casa de phillips I attempt to hide our leafy green veggies inside casseroles or other dishes, mainly so I can trick myself. Friday night is typically pizza night around here. Tonight we will be feasting on Spinach, Chicken, and Cheese Calzone and I thought I might share this easy recipe with you!

Dough:
2 1/2 c. flour
2 tbsp. oil
1 c. warm water
1 tsp. sugar
1 tsp. salt
1 pkg. yeast

In large bowl, dissolve yeast in warm water; add flour, oil, sugar and salt. Mix with wooden spoon until dough loses stickiness. Set aside for 15 minutes, then roll flat to about 1/2 to 3/4 inch thickness.

Filling:
1 cup cooked, shredded chicken
1/2 cup frozen spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
1/2 cup provolone cheese
1/2 cup mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup ricotta cheese
a bit of minced garlic
1/2 tsp Italian seasoning

Mix above ingredients together, spread on dough, and roll up. Place rolled calzone on greased cookie sheet or baking stone (my preference) and cook for 15 minutes in 400 degree oven until golden brown.

1 comment:

Amy said...

I must say - YUM! I can't wait to try this when I get my kitchen back:-)