Roasted Red Pepper and Spinach Calzones

There's this little Italian pizzeria in Denver near where my Grandpa lives called "Rico's." They make The Best Calzones I've ever had. Maybe it's because Rico is really Italian. And so are most of his kitchen staff (family members, by the look of things). The dough is perfect, the cheese melty and stringy and delicious, and the calzone is smothered in sauce. Most of the food they sell is for take-out as their little restaurant only seats about 20 people in their cramped booths and tables sitting almost in the middle of the walk-ways.

And the best part of all is if you're female and Rico isn't too busy with other things, he will shout "Ciao, Bella!" as you walk out the door. My dream is to go back and have Rico shout "Beautiful" to me. He didn't last time. Maybe one day...

I'm quite sure that if Rico had a bite of these calzones he would throw his Italian hands up in the air in dismay No sauce? Only one kind of cheese? Where's the MEAT?" But that aside, I think they're pretty dang tasty. I have an undying love for caramelized onions and red peppers, and these calzones contain both, so I'm pretty well satisfied. Except for the "Bella" part. No one called me Bella as I took these out of the oven.

Midweek Margherita Pizza with Artichokes

This is an easy, midweek lunch, and it is good. The aromatic fragrances of fresh basil make it seem gourmet. And the blend of fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, artichokes, and basil are a refreshing combination of flavors for a midweek lunch. This pizza is easy enough to make any day, especially if you use premade dough like I did, but looks and tastes complex enough to serve at a baby shower or brunch with the ladies. If you want to make it even a little more unique, try making it with a whole wheat crust, or sprinkling the top with freshly grated parmesan cheese. Or keep it simple like I did, and make everyone’s lunch a little tastier today.