Spinach Cheese Stromboli
1 package yeast
2 pounds ricotta
2 teaspoons sugar
1 package spinach, frozen chopped and cooked (10 oz.)
1/3 cup - warm water
4 cups flour
1 cup parmesan
3 tablespoons butter - in pieces
1/2 pound mozzarella, sliced
1 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons butter - melted
1 cup iced water (no cubes)
sesame seeds
Preheat oven to 200 degrees for 15 minutes and turn off. Combine yeast, sugar
and warm water in a small mixing bowl. Set aside for 5 minute until foamy.
In the work bowl of a food processor, add flour, butter pieces and salt. Process
for 20 seconds
Add ice water to yeast. With the processor running, add yeast-water mixture
gradually, until all of the moisture is absorbed and the dough leaves the side
of the bowl. Process for an additional 60 seconds.
Transfer dough from the work bowl to a large greased mixing bowl. Cover with a
kitchen towel and place in warm off oven. Allow to rise until doubled,
approximately 1-1/2 hours.
In a medium mixing bowl, combine ricotta, spinach and parmesan cheese. Punch
down the risen dough and transfer to a floured rolling surface. With quick, hard
strokes, roll dough into a large rectangle, approximately 1/2 inch thick
Layer one-half of the mozzarella cheese evenly down the center leaving
approximately three inches of exposed dough on either side. Top with
ricotta-spinach mixture and the remaining mozzarella. Overlap the exposed dough
over the cheese mixture and pinch well on all sides to seal.
Transfer to a large cookie sheet, seam side up. Cover with a kitchen towel and
return to the warmed oven. Allow to rise until doubled, approximately 45
minutes.
Brush loaf with melted butter and sprinkle with sesame seeds. Bake at 350
degrees for 35 to 40 minutes or until loaf is well browned and hollow sounding
when thumped.