Pepperoni Pizza Danish with Sautéed Portabella Mushrooms

Inspired by the movie "The Godfather II" (1974)

One of my favorite scenes is when Michael (Al Pacino) lets his older (mentally challenged) brother Fredo know he is responsible for his home being shot-up. He gives Fredo the kiss of death and tells him he wants nothing more to do with him, and as long as their mother is alive he can see her, if he is not at home. With that said Fredo would only live as long as "the mother" did. We all got some crazy relatives, but I’m glad I am not in the Corleone family.




Wow! This Pepperoni Pizza Danish with Sautéed Portabella Mushrooms recipe leans heavily on the Italian side and “The Godfather" himself would kiss MY ring!!

1 Tbs. olive oil
1 garlic clove, minced
2 Tbs. red onion

4 large slices of portabella mushrooms
Dash Salt and pepper

1 can Pillsbury Refrigerated Crusty French Loaf bread

4 oz. sour cream

1 – 14 oz. jar pizza sauce, divided

2.5 oz Pepperoni slices (about 15 slices)
1 ½ cups grated Mozzarella cheese

1 egg yolk with 1 tsp. of water
Parsley for garnish

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

In a sauté pan over low heat, add olive oil, garlic, onions, mushrooms, salt and pepper. Saute' mushrooms about 7 minutes, turning once. Set aside

Gently unroll refrigerated French loaf onto a greased cookie sheet, working lengthwise. Using a pastry brush, add sour cream and ½ pizza sauce to middle of dough, leaving 1 inch at the short ends uncovered for closing. Spread out evenly. Add mushroom mixture, pepperoni and cheese.

To close dough, fold in the 1 inch of dough on the left and right. Pull top dough over 1/3rd of filling and then bottom dough over top dough. Pinch the sides to make sure they are closed.

Cut 6 slits at an angle about 2 inches apart along dough. To make egg wash, whisk egg yolk with water. Using pastry brush, cover entire loaf. Sprinkle loaf with Parsley.

Bake for 20 minutes in a preheated 375 degree oven or until golden brown and remove from oven.

To Serve – After 5 minutes brush remaining pizza sauce on a platter and place pizza Danish on top. Slice with a serrated knife between slits in loaf.

Serves 6 to 8.

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