Recipe Rehab: Calzones

Calzones from the local pizzeria are often slathered with oil and high-fat cheese, not to mention filled with pepperoni. Sherry, from Palm Bay, Fla., is trying to cook more at home, not only to save money but also to have the opportunity to make healthier meals for her boyfriend and their friends. One of their pals recently requested she bake calzones, so her quest is to find a healthy recipe.

Well, Sherry, look no further! In my rehab for calzones, I will use whole-wheat flour in the crust to add fiber and boost nutrition. Alternatively, you can always purchase whole-wheat pizza dough from your local grocery store if you are pressed for time. As for the filling, I will use a combination of turkey, spinach, mushrooms and roasted red peppers instead of the traditional sausage and pepperoni. Some will argue a calzone is not a calzone without the ricotta cheese, so you can use a reduced-fat ricotta if you please, but I am going to use a small amount of a stronger-flavored feta cheese instead to reduce the calories without sacrificing flavor.

Ingredients:
Dough:
1 1/2 cups warm water (110-125 degrees F)
1 tablespoon honey
2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
1 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon olive oil
3 1/4 cups whole-wheat flour

Filling:
8 ounces lean turkey breast
8 ounces white button mushrooms, sliced
2 cups roasted red peppers, sliced
1 pound fresh spinach, steamed and drained, or 10-ounce package frozen spinach, thawed and drained
1/2 cup chopped fresh basil
3/4 cup feta cheese
2 cups marinara sauce (serve on the side for dipping)


Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine water, honey and yeast. Stir until dissolved then set aside for about five minutes to let the yeast mature.
2. Stir in the salt and oil. Then add flour one cup at a time, mixing in between additions. You may need to use your hands by the fourth cup.
3. On a floured surface, knead the dough by hand for five to 10 minutes until it develops elasticity.
4. Return to the bowl and cover with a clean, damp tea towel. Place in a warm location until the dough doubles in size (about 45 minutes).
5. Preheat oven to 450 degrees F.
6. Punch down the dough and divide into four balls. Roll each ball separately until dough is about one-eighth of an inch thick.
7. Layer turkey, mushrooms, roasted red peppers, cheese, spinach and basil on half of one side.
8. Wet the outer edges of the circle and fold over half the dough to form a half crescent. Press the edges to seal. Slit the top once or twice to let out steam.
9. Bake for 30 minutes.
10. Serve with marinara sauce for dipping.

Serves: 8

Nutrition Content (per serving):
356 calories, 9 g fat, 3 g saturated fat, 58 g carbohydrates, 16 g sugars, 10 g fiber, 16 g protein, 837 mg sodium

Have a craving for Italian? Try my lower-calorie lasagna.


Readers, I would love to hear from you! Please send me your favorite fattening recipes that need a RECIPE REHAB! Everything from your mom's meatloaf to your kid's favorite dessert -- let me lighten it up.

Celebrity dietitian and motivational life coach, Tanya Zuckerbrot, author of www.ffactordiet.com and founder of www.skinnyandthecity.com and www.theskinnyondietitians.com has helped thousands of people lose weight and keep it off with her program. Her philosophy? Tanya believes you should never sacrifice taste, even when you're eating healthy foods. Have a recipe in need of rehab? Send us your recipe!