Simple Vivacity

We use this incredible recipe for pocket sandwiches as a replacement for Hot Pockets®.

It's cheap, delicious, and tastes better than the store bought version for picky eaters. We make one batch to eat, and several more to feed the freezer. They are a great OAMC (Once A Month Cooking) meal because they freeze well.

This one is for hot ham & cheese, but you could substitute any filling you like. Some things to try would be pepperoni, beef, and taco meat!

INGREDIENTS

• 3 cups flour
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/3 cup shortening
• 1 cup milk
• 1/4 cup milk -- for sealing edges

DIRECTIONS:
Sift (mix) the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt in a large bowl. Cut in the shortening with a fork (or use your fingers if you don't mind getting sticky). Add 1 cup milk and mix in just enough to blend the ingredients. Do not overmix the dough or you will make it tough. If dough is too sticky, add a little flour. If it is too dry, add a little milk. It should be soft, but not sticky.

Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead lightly, approximately ten strokes. Leave it on the flour and let it rest for about ten minutes.

While the dough is resting, prepare the meat and cheese.

Divide the dough into 6 equal portions for large pockets, or 12 for smaller ones. Roll out the dough to the thickness of pie crust. Fill with 2-3 tablespoons of the meat and cheese of your choice. Wet your finger in some milk and run it around the edges. This will help the edges seal properly. Fold the dough over and crimp along the edges with a fork.

Alternatively, I prefer to use a dough crimper because the kids love to use it and it gets them to help! To use the crimper, roll out the dough to the thickness of pie crust. Cut into 6 large circles, fill with2-3 tablespoons of the meat and cheese of your choice, wet the edges with milk, and crimp.

Bake in the oven at 350* F for 12 minutes, or until the crust becomes golden brown.

FILLINGS:

The fillings should all be precooked because if you don't the crust will get done long before the filling does. Always include a cheese of some sort, it holds the filling together.

HAM & CHEESE: Add about 2 tablespoons diced ham & 1 slice of your favorite cheese. I prefer cheddar or mozerella because it's better for you, but American cheese will be creamier.