Pizza Poppers

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

Directions

1. 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. 2

   Stir in cheese and pepperoni; mix well.

3. 3

   Add enough remaining flour to form a soft dough.

4. 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. 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. 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.