Spooky Calzone Snake

Dough:

1 teaspoon white sugar

1 cup warm water (110 degrees F/45 degrees C)

1 (.25 ounce) package active dry yeast

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt

3 cups all-purpose flour, divided

Filling:

1 cup ricotta cheese

2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, or to taste

1 (4 ounce) package sliced pepperoni

1/2 lb cooked sausage

1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley

1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning

1/2 cup sliced black olives (save two for the snake eyes)

1 egg

1 tablespoon water

If you would like to add color to the snake combine an egg yolk with food coloring (I made several colors with several yolks) and painted to make a Halloween striped snake. Serve with pizza sauce for dipping.

1.Dissolve the sugar in the warm water in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook.

2.Sprinkle the yeast over the water, and let stand for 5 minutes until the yeast softens and begins to form a creamy foam.

3.Stir in the oil, salt, and 2 cups of flour, and mix on Low until the mixture forms a wet dough. With the machine running, add 1 cup of flour, 1/4 cup at a time, and knead until the dough pulls away from the sides of the bowl into a ball. Knead for 3 to 5 more minutes, until the dough is smooth and elastic.

4.Lightly oil a large bowl, then place the dough in the bowl and turn to coat with oil. Cover with a light cloth and let rise in a warm place (80 to 95 degrees until doubled in volume, about 1-2 hours.

5.Combine the ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses, pepperoni,sausage, parsley, Italian seasoning, olives in a large bowl, and set aside.

6.Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

7.Punch down the dough, and roll it out into a long, flat strip about 9 inches wide by 30 inches long.

8.Spoon the filling mixture down the center of the dough strip, leaving about 1 inch on all sides for sealing.

9.Pull edges of the dough together; pinch to seal and form a long, filled roll. Place the roll, seam side down, onto the parchment paper in a snakey "S" shape, and tuck the ends underneath to seal.

10.Beat the egg in a bowl with 1 tablespoon of water, and brush the egg wash over the calzone. Or mix the yolk with the food coloring and paint on. Add the 2 olive eyes

11.Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes, until the calzone is golden brown. Let cool for 5 minutes before cutting into individual slices.