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CALZONE MEXICANA

This is a combination of the Italian Calzone, or meat pie, with ingredients from our south-of-the- border neighbors. It is easily prepared and can be frozen for later use with a minimum of effort. Its fantastic combination of meat, vegetables and cheeses tantalizes your tastebuds and can be used for lunches, dinners, buffets and just plain snacks.Makes two large servings:





List of Ingredients



• 2 each Crusts for 9" pies. Scratch made or boxed.
  
• 3/4 lb. Thinly sliced beef breakfast steaks.
  
• 1 7oz. Can fire-roasted, whole, green chiles.
  
• 1/3 cup Shredded Asiago cheese.
  
• 1/3 cup Shredded Cheddar cheese.
  
• 1/3 cup Shredded Monterey Jack cheese.
  
• 1/3 cup Light shoyu (soy) sauce.
  
• 2 T. Lime juice.
  
• 3/4 t. Freshly ground (fine) black pepper.
  
• 1 14 1/2oz. Can Del Monte stewed tomatoes (original recipe).
  
• 1 T. Mayonnaise.
  
• 1 T. Filtered water.
  






Instructions



1. 24 Hours before making, rinse the meat under running, filtered water, slice into 2" long by 1/2 " wide strips and marinade in the shoyu, lime juice, and pepper, all in a plastic storage bag and refrigerated.
   
2. Open, drain and rinse the chiles under filtered water, cut lengthwise into 1" wide strips, and set aside.
   
3. Open and drain the stewed tomatoes. Set aside.
   
4. If not already done, shread the three cheeses, toss together and set aside.
   
5. On a lightly floured board, roll the pie dough out until about 1/4" thick. Using a 10" plate as a guide, cut the dough into two individual circles. Set one aside.
   
6. Spread 1/4 of the cheese over half of one circle of pie crust, leaving a 1 1/2" of clean border between the cheese and the edge of the crust.
   
7. Remove 1/2 of the meat from its marinade, shake to drain, and layer over the cheese.
   
8. Spread 1/2 of the drained tomatoes over the meat.
   
9. Spread 1/2 of the chiles over the tomatoes and finish by spreading 1/4 more of the cheese over the chilies.
   
10. Carefully clean off any of the filling that has wandered onto that clear 1 1/2" area of the lower part of the crust.
    
11. Fold the clear half of the crust over the filling and adjust it so that it is touching the edge of the lower crust about 1/2" in from its edge.
    
12. Gently raise the top crust, dip a finger into fresh water and lightly coat the open edge of the lower crust and press both crusts together.
    
13. Fold the 1/2" extension of the lower crust up over the top crust. moisten, and again press together to form a locking seal between the two crusts, using a large tined fork to crimp the crust's edge all around, and poking the top of the crust in three or four places to form vent holes. Repeat Steps 6 through 13 for the second calzone.
    
14. At this point, if you want to freeze the calzones for later use, wrap them tightly in a double layer of plastic film and freeze.
    
15. To cook the calzones, whether frozen or freshly made, place them on a foil-lined cookie sheet that has been sprayed with a light coat of Pam or wiped with a little olive oil.
    
16. Mix the mayonnaise with the water and brush the top of the calzones all over.
    
17. Place them on a center rack of a preheated 400°F and bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the crust is a golden brown. Be careful not to burn the crust by checking the calzones at about 25 minutes time.
    
18. To serve whole, slide each calzone off of the baking sheet onto a warmed serving plate. Otherwise, slide them onto a cutting board and cut in half before plating.
    
19. To serve cold for a brunch or buffet, allow the calzone to completely cool and then slice into thirds or quarters. The can also be served warm on an electrically heated serving tray.
    






Final Comments


We hate to mention this but just to be on the safe side, if you are about to cook previously frozen calzones, remember to remove the plastic film as you place them on the cookie sheet.This dish is a real delight and has made a big hit with all of our Hispanic friends as well as everyone else we have prepared it for. Frozen, they make a great gift for a housewarming, shower, or other such affair.No a mucho comare!