Calzone Appetizers

1 3.5-ounce package sliced pepperoni

1/2 of an 8-ounce package cream cheese, softened

1/4 cup finely shredded or grated Parmesan cheese

2 8-ounce packages (16) refrigerated crescent roll dough

1 egg, lightly beaten

1 tablespoon water

Finely shredded or grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Dried Italian Seasoning(optional)

Crushed red pepper (optional)

Pizza sauce, warmed (optional)

Directions

1. Reserve six to eight slices of pepperoni; set aside. Chop remaining pepperoni slices.

2. In a small bowl, stir together chopped pepperoni, cream cheese and the 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese until well combined. Set aside.

3. Preheat oven to 425 degrees F. Lightly grease an extralarge baking sheet; set aside. On a lightly floured surface, unroll each package of crescent-roll dough. Separate dough into individual triangles. Place half the dough triangles on the prepared baking sheet. Place about 1 tablespoon of the pepperoni-cheese mixture in the center of each triangle. In a small bowl, stir together egg and water. Brush edges of triangles with some of the egg mixture. Top with remaining triangles. Press triangle edges together to seal. Brush dough with egg mixture. Fold short edges of the dough triangles up, forming a hat brim. Prick the dough a few times with the tines of a fork.

4. If desired, sprinkle with additional Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and/or crushed red pepper. Cut reserved pieces of pepperoni into small stars, crescent moons, and/or small diamonds. Press onto dough for decoration. Bake in the preheated oven for 8 to 10 minutes or until golden. Serve warm with pizza sauce, if desired. Makes 8 calzones

*** Recipe from Robin Bos

KNORR SPINACH DIP

1 (10 oz.) pkg. frozen chopped spinach, thawed (do not use fresh)
1 1/2 c. sour cream
1 c. mayonnaise
1 (4 oz.) pkg. Knorr vegetable soup mix
1 (8 oz.) can water chestnuts, finely chopped
3 green onions, finely chopped

Squeeze spinach until dry. In medium bowl, stir together spinach, sour cream and soup mix. Add finely chopped water chestnuts and green onions. Cover and refrigerate 2 hours or overnight.

Hollow out round loaf of sourdough bread, serve with pieces of bread, crackers, veggies, or chips.

Greek Cheese Torta

This savory layered cheese spread is a welcome addition to any gathering.

1 pkg (10 oz) frozen chopped spinach, thawed and pressed dry

2 pkg (8 oz each) cream cheese, softened

2 tbsp Greek Rub (If you don't have greek rub, you can substitute by using greek flavored feta cheese)

2 pkg (4 oz each) crumbled feta cheese

1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes in oil, drained and patted dry

3 tbsp shelled pistachios

Line colander with paper towels. Place spinach into Colander; wrap paper towels around spinach and press until almost dry. Soften cream cheese in microwave on HIGH 30 seconds. Stir in spinach and rub; mix well. Add feta cheese; stir until well blended.

Finely dice sun-dried tomatoes. Line small mixing bowl with plastic wrap. Spoon one-third of the cheese mixture into bottom of bowl, spreading evenly. Top with tomatoes, forming an even layer. Spread remaining cheese mixture over tomatoes.

To serve, invert torta onto serving platter. Remove plastic wrap. Coarsely chop pistachios, press onto top of torta. Serve with toasted baguette slices, pita chips or wheat thins.

To make toasted baguette slices

Garlic Oil or olive oil

1 loaf (16 oz) French baguette

Preheat oven to 375°F. Cut baguette into 1/4-inch-thick slices. Arrange bread slices in a single layer on cookie sheet. Spray with oil. Bake 10-12 minutes or until bread is golden brown. Remove from oven, cool completely.

This is a pampered chef recipe, if you are inerested in purchasing the Greek Rub or other pampered Chef supplies, you can contact my friend Heather at: heatherandres@ca.rr.com.