Bread Machine Puffy Calzone Hearts With Dipping Sauce

I was inspired by the notebook last week (specifically the entry by Craftzine) to whip up a batch of heart-shaped calzone hearts for my valentines. We used to make calzones more often around here, but I will happily admit that our pizza routine takes a little less time and my kids seem just as happy with it.  I knew that they would love this as a special Valentine’s Day surprise and I wanted to share with you my favorite calzone recipe that utilizes one of my favorite appliances… the bread machine.

This recipe is foolproof and makes a deliciously fluffy dough that has just the right balance of flavors. Fill these with whatever toppings you have on hand and then brush lightly with a little olive oil and a shake of a little garlic salt to add a little fun flavor to the top. We served these with a big bowl of dipping sauce and the kids were in amazement that their mom could make such a fun food for them.

Of course, as I was making these, my camera battery stopped working so I hope the instructions and the few pictures that I do have will help explain how to make these cute little puffy calzone hearts for the special people in your life.

Bread Machine Puffy Calzone Hearts With Dipping Sauce

1 1/4 cups water

2 teaspoons active dry yeast

1 1/2 tablespoons white sugar

3 cups bread flour (can substitute with all-purpose flour, half white flour/half wheat flour, or whole wheat white flour)

1 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon powdered milk

3/4 cup pizza sauce

1 1/4 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

your choice of fillings (pepperoni, sausage, extra cheese, etc.)

2 tablespoons olive oil

garlic salt for sprinkling

To Make Dough: Place water, yeast, sugar, flour, salt and powdered milk in the pan of the bread machine, in the order suggested by the manufacturer. Select Dough cycle. After cycle is completed, roll out dough on a lightly floured surface.

Roll out flat and then cut into hearts with a heart-shaped cookie cutter, cutting two hearts for each puffy heart. Transfer to a lightly greased cookie sheet, and spoon a small amount of sauce, cheese, and (optional) toppings on one heart. Top with the other heart-shaped cut-out and then crimp the edges with a fork to seal in the toppings (Side Note- Because these are puffy hearts, make sure you seal them well with the forks, but they will likely puff up and not hold the markings from your fork).  Brush the tops with olive oil and sprinkle with garlic salt on each heart. Bake at 400 degrees for 12-15 minutes. Serve with a bowl of dipping sauce and lots of hugs and kisses for your valentines.

Looking for another way to say, “I Love You,” today?  Be sure to check out our Be Mine Donuts that are guaranteed to capture hearts!  Planning to make a romantic dinner for your heart’s desire? Be sure to check out our elegant steak dinner and our favorite inexpensive wine selections! If you have a few more moments, swing by our podcast on choosing great wines!

Happy Valentine’s Day, everyone! Do you have any fun ways you will be celebrating today?