“Pepperoni Pizza Popovers”
I grew up in a one stop light town.
Well actually, the light didn’t come along until my teen years and even then I think
it only flashed yellow for the first few years.
The favorite, or should I say the only, hangout was the Dairy Queen.
Even today, I STILL love their chocolate dipped vanilla cones. 🙂
It was Smalltown, USA in the South.
And, I could not have loved it more.
There wasn’t a lot of crime, other than a stolen bicycle or maybe a stolen John Boat. 🙂
Chances are, both were just “borrowed” and returned the next morning.
I only had a little over 200 people in my graduating class.
I guess to some that may be considered large.
I would estimate that at least 90% of us had grown up together and started the first grade together.
The other day, an old friend and I were talking about high school and reminiscing about
some of the teachers and staff. And the name “Mrs. Smallwood” came up between us.
Mrs. Smallwood wasn’t the principle or the librarian or even a teacher.
She was the head Lunch Lady.
And trust me, we all loved Mrs. Smallwood.
I think our schools sure could use some more Mrs. Smallwoods today.
You see, because we were a small school in an urban, country area – the food on our lunch trays was different than
the “food” served to our kids today.
No siree – it was home cooked-from-scratch food.
She made the best biscuits and rolls ever!
And even homemade desserts.
But, on Friday – we were served “junk food.”
Or, at least it was to her, I am sure.
And whenever I eat this particular food…I can’t help but think of Mrs. Smallwood and those
pastel-colored cafeteria trays. You all know the ones I am talking about. 🙂
You see, Friday was Pizza Day. It wasn’t home cooked pizza, it wasn’t even round pizza –
it was oblong pizza and it fit perfectly into the “main entrée” portion of the tray.
I always wondered how they did that? How did that oblong cheese and sausage encrusted concoction
fit so snugly inside that oblong opening on my lunch tray?
It was one of the mysteries of the school cafeteria. 🙂
But, it was the best pizza a kid could ask for.
Fridays.
The last day of the week, Football or Basketball games that night,
the weekend looming big and large before us.
But, most of all.
That oblong pizza sitting on that pink or green or yellow plastic tray.
My son and my grandchildren never got to experience the wonderment of that oblong pizza.
I’m sure it was deemed too “nutritional.” 😀
So…I dedicate this post to Mrs. Smallwood and to all those other sweet Lunch ladies, who
came to the school five days a week – worked in a hot kitchen making sure we were
fed as best as we could be… only to have to go home and cook some more.
Bless their hearts.
And speaking of school… let the easy meal prep begin.
This is a quick and easy idea that is perfect for an after-school snack or even as a meal.
You can fix several batches and freeze them for later.
Win. Win. Win.
And although they aren’t oblong – if you really want to get sentimental –
you can always buy one of these neat-o school lunch trays to serve them on.
😀
“Pepperoni Pizza Popovers”
- (2) packages of Crescent Rolls
- (1) package mini pepperoni or reg. pepperoni
- (1) package of shredded mozzarella cheese
- (1) cup shredded parmesan cheese
- (1) small onion, chopped
- (1) cup chopped mushrooms
- (1) cup sliced black olives
- (2) cups marinara sauce
- In a small saucepan on medium heat, add a pat of butter and about 1 tsp of olive oil to a pan. Once the butter has melted and the pan is warm, add the chopped mushrooms and chopped onion to the pan. Allow to sauté until the onion is translucent and cooked through. Remove from heat and drain, as needed.
- Revove the entire rolls of crescent dough from the package. Divide the dough into two parts, with four triangles per section. Set aside the second section. Using your fingers, smooth together the seams of the rolls until you have one oblong section of dough. Add about 1 Tbs of marinara, spreading it lightly over the dough. Add about 2 tsp of pepperoni, about 1 tsp of mushrooms and onions, about 1 tsp of black olives and top with about 2 tsp of cheese. The measurements do not have to be exact.
- Once all of your toppings of choice have been added, roll the dough so it forms a log.
- Repeat with the second package of crescent dough. Place both rolled logs into the fridge to chill for about 10 mins. This will allow the dough to be cut easier.
- Using a serrated knife, cut the log into six equal pieces.
- Place one rolled popover into a muffin tin section. Two packages of crescent dough will allow 24 individual popovers. Sprinkle a generous amount of parmesan cheese over each popover.
- Bake on a 400 degree oven for about 12-15 mins. (all ovens vary)
- Remove from heat, allow to cool and serve with the remaining marinara.
- - I used pepperoni but sausage and even ground beef are very good, too.
- - I have made this same recipe as added ground breakfast sausage and scrambled egg and made a "Breakfast Pizza" version.
- - Your rolled sections may not be perfectly even, but that is ok.
- - I used a store-bought marinara by Paul Newman.
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Chrystal @ YUM eating says
These looks tasty. I love your story about growing up in the small southern town. I did grow up in the south so I can relate to that story on some levels. I have lived in small towns throughout my life, but very big cities too. All charming in their own way. Thanks for linking at #stoptheyuck and I hope to see you again this week.
View CommentKristina & Millie says
Looks delish! I could pop a few of these into my mouth! Thanks for sharing 🙂
View CommentCheryl says
Congratulations, I am featuring this recipe as one of my favorites on The Yuck Stops Here this week on Hot Momma’s Kitchen Chaos! It looks delicous and I hope you will proudly display the “I’ve Been Featured” button here on this page! HUGS
View CommentPauline Hayter says
These pizza popovers look delicious, can’t wait to try them.
View CommentMagdalena says
How cool idea is that. Thank you for sharing.
View Comment