Individualized meals can be fun and easy to prepare. Grab some bread dough and favorite ingredients for a dinner alternative that is different every time.
Bread is a staple for many dinner tables. Whether the dough is homemade, purchased frozen or even from a can it can be shaped into a variety of ways. It can also wrap the entire meal. Since each pocket is separate each person can make and enjoy something different, from steak and peppers to hotdogs and cheese or VPC (vegetable protein crumbles) and broccoli.
The Bread
A yeast bread recipe will work best. Choose a family favorite and follow the directions as usual, but stop after punching it down, dividing into loaves (many recipes make two) and letting it rest. The next step will be to shape it. Divide each loaf into four pieces and let it rest another 5 minutes before adding the filling.
If using a canned bread, check first to see if it is already divided for rolls or sticks. If it is, knead the dough into a ball and then divide into four pieces. If it is already a solid piece then go ahead and divide it into four. There is no need to let it rest before filling.
Filling Choices
To prepare a well balanced meal, the filling for each pocket should contain a protein source and either a fruit or vegetable (or both).
- Precook any meats or beans; leftovers work well, too.
- Vegetables can be raw but might be a little undercooked once the bread is done; instead, these can be lightly steamed or sauted in advance.
- Defrost frozen vegetables; canned vegetables can be used straight from the can.
- Fruits are fine to include raw.
- Herbs and other seasonings can be added as well.
- Sauces should be avoided or kept very light since they can interfere with the cooking of the bread.
Some delightful combinations include:
- steak strips with sauted peppers and onions
- chicken strips or cubes with apples, cheddar cheese and thyme
- ground or cubed beef with pears
- tuna with peas, carrots and marjoram
- hotdog (or veggie dog) cut in bite size pieces with cheddar and apples
- VPC with steamed broccoli and cheddar cheese
- ham cubes with well drained pineapple
- mozzarella cheese with seeded tomato and basil
Filling the Bread
Once the dough and filling are ready it is time to prepare the pocket.
- Roll one piece into a rectangle and find the center of the long side.
- Place the filling in the middle or one side of the rectangle.
- Fold the other side over the filling and pinch the edges together, similar to a calzone.
- Use a small amount of water if the dough is dry and not staying together when pinched.
- Place on a lightly greased baking sheet.
- Repeat for the other bread pieces, leaving about 4 inches between each pocket on the baking sheet.
- Prick the top of each pocket with a fork or knife.
- If using canned dough, bake according to the directions on the can.
- If using yeast bread dough, bake in a 350° F (180° C) oven for 30 to 35 minutes or until the bread is golden brown.
