Pizza Poppers

Total Time: 2 hrs Preparation Time: 30 mins Cook Time: 1 hr 30 mins

Ingredients

• 4 -4 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/3 cup sugar
• 1 (1/4 ounce) package active dry yeast
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup water
• 1 tablespoon shortening
• 1 egg
• 3 cups shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese
• 1 1/3 cups minced pepperoni (about 5 ounces)
• 2 cups pizza sauce, warmed

Recipe

• 1 in a mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of flour, sugar, yeast, oregano and salt. heat water and shortening to 120-130*, add to flour mixture along with the egg. beat on medium speed for 1 minute.
• 2 stir in cheese and pepperoni; mix well.
• 3 add enough remaining flour to form a soft dough.
• 4 turn onto a floured surface, knead until smooth and elastic, about 6 to 8 minutes. place in a greased bowl, turning once to grease top. cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 1 hour.
• 5 punch dough down; divide into four portions. cut each portion into eight pieces; roll each piece into a 12-inch rope. tie into a loose knot, leaving two long ends. fold top end under roll; bring bottom end up and press into center of roll.
• 6 place on greased baking sheets. cover and let rise until doubled, about 30 minutes. bake at 375* for 10-12 minutes or until golden brown. serve warm with pizza sauce.