Pepperoni Jalapeño Pizza Babka Recipes

PEPPERONI PIZZA JALAPEñO POPPERS

Steps:

• Heat the oven to broil and arrange a rack in the middle. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and set aside.
• Lay a jalapeño on your work surface so that it sits flat without rolling. Make two cuts forming a "T" by first slicing down the middle of the chile lengthwise from stem to tip, then making a second cut perpendicular to the first about 1/4 inch from the stem, slicing only halfway through the chile (be careful not to cut off the stem end completely). Carefully open the flaps to expose the interior of the chile, and, using a butter knife or small measuring spoon, scrape the inside to remove the seeds and ribs. Repeat with the remaining peppers; set aside.
• Place the cream cheese, pepperoni, Parmesan, and salt in a medium bowl, season with freshly ground black pepper, and mix until smooth and evenly combined. Transfer the mixture to a quart-size resealable plastic bag, cut one bottom corner off to make a 3/4-inch-wide opening, and squeeze the mixture into the chiles until just filled (be careful not to overfill). Insert a toothpick widthwise through each chile to secure the flaps and filling. Place the filled chiles on the prepared baking sheet in two evenly spaced rows of six.
• Broil for 4 minutes, rotate the pan, and continue to broil until the peppers are starting to char and the filling is browned and bubbly, about 4 minutes more. Remove from the oven, and remove the toothpicks if desired. Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.

PIZZA BABKA

Steps:

• On a lightly floured surface, roll the pizza dough into a large rectangle approximately 18 inches by 12 inches.
• Spread the pizza sauce in a very thin layer all over the dough, leaving a 1/4-inch border of clean dough along the top and side edges.
• Scatter the Parmesan evenly over the sauce. Layer the pepperoni slices evenly over the Parmesan. Scatter the grated mozzarella over the pepperoni.
• Beginning at the bottom edge, roll the dough up like a jelly roll toward the top, taking care to roll as tightly as possible. When you reach the top clean edge of the dough, pinch together at the seam to seal closed. Transfer the dough to the refrigerator to firm, 15 to 20 minutes.
• Oil a 9-by-5-inch loaf pan. Split the dough in half lengthwise, exposing the striped insides. Carefully lift up one half and lay it across the other half so the two pieces form an X. Working from the center out, twist each end until the two loose ends meet. Lift the twisted dough into the loaf pan, then cover with plastic wrap and let rise until nearly doubled in size, about 1 hour.
• Position an oven rack in the center of the oven and preheat to 350 degrees F.
• Brush the top of the babka with olive oil and sprinkle with Parmesan. Bake until golden brown, 40 to 50 minutes. Rest on a rack 15 minutes, then transfer the babka from the pan to the rack and let rest another 15 minutes before slicing.