Thanks for coming to my kitchen!

Most of my chef training came from the training my family has given me as I have learned to cook for some picky eaters and a couple of bottomless pits! It has been a fun journey and I want to share my experiences with you.
My daughter and I own a catering business and have cooked so many delicious things for our clients. Here I am sharing some of our best loved foods - at home and at catering events.
I like to keep things simple, using everyday food but I am a BIG fan of spice! I love hot and spicy stuff!
(Which is why I stay married to my wonderful hubby! LOL)
Try my recipes and let me know how it turns out!
And if you have a moment, check out our catering site to see what we do.
You will find us at: miamorcatering.com
Happy Cooking!

Monday, December 9, 2013

Pizza Pockets














Another popular item from our Mi Amor Catering kitchen. These are also very popular at home, since they are easy to heat up and eat when you want a quick snack.

These are a great treat to make ahead and keep on hand for hungry kids or for quick lunches. I make these for my husband to take to work. He just loads a couple in a bag and microwaves them at lunch time.

You can purchase little round sandwich cutters that cut and seal at the same time, but they are pretty small. I recommend using a small bowl to cut around or finding a large biscuit cutter so that the pockets are a little larger.

The recipe involves two parts; the crust and the filling. Well, three parts if you count the Garlic Butter topping.

Pizza Pockets

1. The Crust

2 1/2 to 3 cups flour
1 pkg or 1 Tbls active dry yeast
1 tsp salt
1 cup warm water
2 Tbls oil
1 Tbls sugar

Mix 1 cup of the flour with all other ingredients with beaters. Let rest 10 min.
Mix in the rest of the flour.
Roll out dough on floured surface. Cut into circles.
Transfer to greased pans.
Add filling. Place a second circle on top and seal.
Brush with egg wash and sprinkle lightly with Italian seasoning.
Bake at 425F for 8-10 minutes. Check. Continue baking until tops and sides are turning golden. May take another 5-7 minutes. Remove from oven.
Brush each pocket with Garlic Butter (see recipe below).

2. The Filling

1 jar pre-prepared Spaghetti sauce (like Prego) OR 1 large can tomato sauce, 2 Tbls Italian seasoning, 1 Tbls sugar (to get rid of the bitter taste in the tomato sauce)
1 cup grated cheese (mozzarella or cheddar or cheddar jack)
1 pkg mini pepperoni slices
Additional fillings (optional):
1 can mushroom pieces and stems
1 can olives, chopped
1/2 cup real bacon bits
1 cup ground sausage, cooked

3. Garlic Butter

3 Tbls butter, melted (do not use margarine)
1 Tbls minced garlic

Melt butter in microwave for about 20-30 seconds, until melted.
Stir in garlic and let sit while you make the other items. Quickly heat again in microwave for 10 seconds before brushing on tops of pockets.