Jun
Celebrating my Home State with Food
Celebrations are a good excuse to work your favorite foods into your meal plan.Like a favorite song, food can serve as a connection to someone, something, or somewhere in the past. Today is West Virginia Day. On this day in 1863, West Virginia seceded from Virginia. The truth is, I could turn any day into WV Day by sharing random information and trivia about my home state (did you know that Mother’s Day was was first observed there? or that John Corbett is from there?), but on this official day, I decided to celebrate the best way I know how: with food.
For a little taste of home, I whipped up the deliciousness known as Pepperoni Rolls. Not to be confused with a calzone or Hot Pocket, in their most basic form they are pepperoni wrapped in dough. Sometimes they include cheese, and, as I recently learned, peppers. The story goes that pepperoni rolls were created as a shelf-stable, portable lunch option for coal miners back in the first half of the twentieth century. Today, you can find them all over WV in restaurants, supermarkets, and convenience stores. All I know is that they are delicious and are not easily found in the South.
Good thing they’re easy to make. I opted to include cheese in my batch for my NC-based WV Day celebration.
First, the frozen dough has to thaw and rise. In my kitchen, this four hour process took place behind the closed door of my pantry for reasons that will become obvious later.
When the rolls have risen to twice their original size, it’s time to get to work.
Flatten each roll and place the desired amount of pepperoni & cheese.
And keep your eye on this guy as you work.
Wrap the dough around the contents, sealing it completely, then place on a greased baking sheet and cook for 15 to 20 minutes in a 350 degree oven. Easy as that!
Expert Tip: If you’re cooking in batches, be careful not turn your back on the uncooked rolls waiting for the oven. I started out with 36 prepared rolls and only 35 made it into the oven.
Not that this guy could be capable of such covert counter-surfing, of course.
“Who me?” - Marshall Dillon
They’re especially tasty straight from the oven, but are just as good a few days later—if they last that long.
Mmmm mmmm mmmm. Love me some West Virginia goodness! They’re a perfect addition to my lunch plan this week and I’m pretty sure the folks I’ve been sharing them with have been enjoying them as well.
Final note: I fully acknowledge the nutritional profile of these could be improved with some whole wheat dough, reduced fat (or no) cheese and turkey pepperoni. But:
- That would just be disrespectful to the tradition on WV Day. ;-) and
- These are a “sometimes” food for a celebration. Everything in moderation.
Have you heard of pepperoni rolls? Would/do you enjoy them? What foods do you associate with your hometown/state? Please share!
