Sausage Lasagna Heart Calzone

Have you made plans for Valentine’s Day yet? I actually do not have any yet, but in the meantime have not slacked off on making Valentine’s Day inspired treats and meals. For example, after I mastered the stromboli I decided it was time to take on the calzone. But not just any calzone, but a heart-shaped one! And it conveniently serves two people. Or maybe four if you serve anything substantial on the side.

And if the shape alone wasn’t enough this baby is actually stuffed with sausage lasagna filling. Gooey, cheesy, meaty loveliness wrapped up in dough. Yup, go ahead and eat your heart out. (Sorry sorry couldn’t resist)

One year ago: Oreo Truffles

SAUSAGE LASAGNA HEART CALZONE

Serves 2

Ingredients:

1/2 lb pizza dough

1 lb spicy Italian sausage

1-1/2 cups pizza sauce

8 oz low fat ricotta cheese

1/4 cup fresh grated Parmesan cheese

1/4 cup shredded Mozzarella cheese

Pinch of salt, fresh cracked pepper

1/4 tsp Italian seasoning, plus more for topping (optional)

1 egg, beaten (for brushing dough)

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Brown sausage until browned. Drain and return back to skillet. Add pasta sauce and reduce heat to low to simmer.
2. Place ricotta, Parmesan, mozzarella cheese and seasonings in a mixing bowl. Mix until well combined.
3. Cut the pizza doughs in half. On a floured sheet of parchment paper, form two large hearts and roll until about 1/8″ thick. Move one dough-heart onto a parchment-lined baking sheet.
4. Top the dough-heart on the baking sheet with sausage marinara then with ricotta (you may have leftovers), leaving a 1/2″ edge. Brush the edges of the dough with egg and top with remaining dough-heart. Press seams together, brush entire top lightly with egg then sprinkle with Italian seasoning. Cut a few slices in the top, transfer to a cookie sheet  and bake  for 25-30 minutes or until browned and cooked through.

Source: Adapted slightly from Picky Palate.